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The Criminal History Access Act of 2026 authorizes peace officer standards and training agencies at the state level to access criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These agencies are responsible for setting standards related to hiring, training, ethical conduct, and retention of law enforcement officers through certification or licensing processes. By granting them access to criminal history information, the bill aims to improve the quality and accountability of law enforcement personnel. The bill also updates legal definitions to clarify which entities qualify as peace officer standards and training agencies and expands the definition of 'State' to include U.S. territories and possessions. The Attorney General is required to update federal regulations within 180 days to implement these changes. This access could help agencies better screen candidates and monitor officers, potentially reducing misconduct and enhancing public safety. However, it also raises concerns about privacy and data security, as more entities will have access to sensitive criminal history information. Overall, the bill affects law enforcement agencies, training bodies, and potentially individuals undergoing background checks for law enforcement roles.