Washington, D.C. — During National Police Week,  Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Derek Schmidt’s (KS-02) bipartisan legislation, the Criminal History Access Act of 2026, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. The legislation will ensure that state law enforcement training and certification agencies can access the criminal history information they need to properly screen and approve officers.

 

Click here to download Congresswoman Ross’ remarks from the House floor

 

The Criminal History Access Act clarifies existing federal law to explicitly authorize the sharing of federal criminal history records to state Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies. These agencies are responsible for setting standards for the hiring, training, certification, and ethical conduct of law enforcement officers.

 

“It’s essential that we give police and sheriff’s departments in North Carolina and across the country the tools and resources they need to hire qualified, trusted officers,” said Congresswoman Ross. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure local law enforcement can access critical data when vetting and hiring new officers. I’m grateful that the House has passed this commonsense solution and urge the Senate to act quickly.”

 

“Law enforcement agencies and the public alike depend on strong standards and thorough vetting,” said Rep. Derek Schmidt. “By passing the Criminal History Access Act, the House has taken an important step to ensure certifying agencies can access the information they need to keep unqualified individuals from serving as law enforcement officers and to strengthen confidence in those who wear the badge.”

 

The Criminal History Access Act of 2026 is supported by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.

 

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