Ross, Schmidt Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Police Background Checks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) introduced the Criminal History Access Act , bipartisan legislation to ensure that state law enforcement training and certification agencies can access the criminal history information they need to properly screen and approve officers. The Criminal History Access Act clarifies existing federal law to explicitly authorize the exchange of criminal history record information between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state Peace Officer Standards and Training 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 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. This bill is a commonsense solution that will prevent bad actors from gaining employment and strengthen trust between our local communities and law enforcement.” “Public trust in law enforcement begins with accountability and high standards,” said Rep. Schmidt . “This legislation ensures that the agencies responsible for certifying officers have access to the information they need to make informed decisions and prevent individuals with disqualifying criminal histories from serving in positions of authority.” This legislation is an updated version of a bill Rep. Schmidt introduced last year, H.R. 5211 . The Criminal History Access Act is expected to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee this week, with a potential floor vote during National Police Week in May. The bill is supported by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training.