Congressman Derek Schmidt Bill To Strengthen Police Background Checks Passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation to strengthen background checks for law enforcement officers, led by Republican Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) and Democrat Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), was passed today by the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. 

The Criminal History Access Act would explicitly authorize the exchange of criminal history record information between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and state Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agencies. State POST agencies are responsible for setting standards for the hiring, training, certification, and ethical conduct of law enforcement officers. POSTs need access to criminal history information to properly screen and certify officers and enforce prohibitions against persons with certain criminal histories serving as officers.

“It's just common sense that agencies tasked with enforcing laws that prohibit people with certain criminal histories from serving as law enforcement officers must have access to criminal history record information as part of the vetting process," Congressman Schmidt said. “But that has not been the case and instead POSTs have had to rely on individual law enforcement agencies to check the records themselves. By passing the Criminal History Access Act, the House is helping POSTs do their job of maintaining professionalism and public confidence in law enforcement by preventing unqualified individuals from serving as 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.”

The Criminal History Access Act is supported by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Rep. Schmidt has worked with the Kansas Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, based in Reno County, in developing and advancing the legislation. 

The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.  

Schmidt's floor remarks in support of the bill can be viewed HERE.

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