S. 1712In committeeCrime & justice
Bill would let state police oversight boards run federal background checks
Data as of July 11, 2026
S 1712 would authorize state POST agencies to access FBI criminal records when certifying or removing law enforcement officers.50-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
S 1712 would add state POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) agencies to the list of entities legally authorized to access federal FBI criminal history records. Currently, federal law does not clearly permit these agencies to query the national database. The Attorney General would be required to update federal regulations within 180 days of enactment to reflect the change.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects POST agencies in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. Current and prospective law enforcement officers are also affected, as their federal criminal histories could be reviewed more readily by these oversight bodies.
Why does it matter?
State agencies deciding whether to certify, license, or remove a police officer would gain a clearer legal pathway to check federal criminal records as part of that process. Residents are not directly affected but have an indirect stake in how law enforcement officers are screened and held accountable.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
Criminal History Access Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- May 12, 2025
- Latest action:
- May 12, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.