US Federal Senate Bill SB1712

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/25
• Refer: 5/12/25

Caption

Criminal History Access Act of 2025

Summary

The Criminal History Access Act of 2025 would expand access to federal criminal history records for state peace officer standards and training agencies. These are the state entities that set standards for hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention of law enforcement officers through certification, licensing, or similar qualification processes. The bill amends section 534(e) of title 28, United States Code, to add these agencies to the list of entities authorized to receive criminal history record information. The bill also directs the Attorney General to update the relevant federal regulations within 180 days of enactment to implement the new access authority. In practical terms, the measure is aimed at helping state police certification and licensing bodies better screen applicants and monitor officers by giving them direct access to criminal history records under federal law.

Impact

The bill would amend federal law governing dissemination of criminal history records, specifically 28 U.S.C. 534(e), to include peace officer standards and training agencies among the entities eligible to access those records. It would require conforming regulatory changes by the Department of Justice, affecting how FBI/Justice Department criminal history information is shared with state law enforcement certification authorities. The primary affected parties are state POST agencies, law enforcement applicants and officers subject to certification or licensing, and the Department of Justice.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the limited available legislative history, the measure appears to have a generally supportive, administrative-law enforcement focus. It was introduced by Senators Moran and Whitehouse and referred to the Judiciary Committee, with no recorded votes or committee debate in the provided materials. The framing suggests a practical, bipartisan effort to improve vetting and oversight of law enforcement personnel.

Contention

No explicit opposition or controversy is reflected in the provided transcripts or voting history. The main policy issue inherent in the bill is balancing broader access to criminal history records for state certification agencies against privacy, data-sharing, and due-process concerns for officers and applicants whose records may be reviewed. Any contention would likely center on the scope of access, safeguards for sensitive information, and how state agencies use criminal history data in hiring and certification decisions.