S.1712 - Criminal History Access Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Criminal History Access Act of 2025 (S.1712) aims to authorize peace officer standards and training agencies to access criminal history records. This access would be for the purpose of setting standards for hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention of law enforcement officers. The bill amends Title 28 of the United States Code to include these agencies in the list of entities authorized to access criminal history records.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to grant state peace officer standards and training agencies direct access to criminal history records. This is intended to improve the screening and training processes for law enforcement officers. The Attorney General would be required to update relevant regulations within 180 days of the Act's enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Improved screening of law enforcement candidates.
- Enhanced training standards for officers.
- Greater accountability and ethical conduct among law enforcement personnel.
- Potential reduction in police misconduct.
- Increased public trust in law enforcement.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for misuse of criminal history information.
- Risk of privacy violations if data is not properly secured.
- Increased administrative burden on state agencies.
- Possible delays in hiring processes due to increased background checks.
- Potential for discriminatory practices if criminal history data is not interpreted fairly.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly in its aim to ensure domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. By improving the quality and accountability of law enforcement, the bill supports these constitutional goals. However, the potential impact on individual privacy rights needs careful consideration to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).