2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Mar 25, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The primary change is an update to the short title, changing the year from "2025" to "2026" in both the long and short forms of the Act's name. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's provisions regarding the sharing and use of criminal history record information.

H.R. 2332119th CongressIntroduced Mar 25, 2025

SHARE Act of 2026

House Committee DischargedGovernment Operations and PoliticsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
Committees: Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 28, 2026

Bottom line

The SHARE Act of 2026 facilitates interstate professional licensing by standardizing FBI background check access for State licensing authorities while aiming to protect individual privacy by limiting information sharing.

What it actually does

This bill authorizes the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide criminal history record information (CHRI) to State licensing authorities for the purpose of conducting background checks on individuals seeking occupational or professional licenses in states that are part of an interstate compact. It explicitly restricts how this information can be used and shared, permitting only a binary "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" determination to be shared with compact commissions, not the detailed CHRI itself.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this bill streamlines the licensing process for professionals who wish to practice in multiple states, reducing administrative burdens and promoting workforce mobility. By providing a clear legal framework for accessing FBI criminal history data, it ensures public safety through thorough background checks while enabling reciprocity agreements between states, ultimately benefiting both professionals and consumers.

Opponents contend

Opponents might raise concerns about the expansion of federal data sharing with state entities, even with stated restrictions, fearing potential for misuse or data breaches. Some may argue that the bill, while limiting direct sharing of CHRI, still centralizes sensitive information, which could lead to privacy infringements or create a national database of professionals' criminal histories accessible by various state bodies.

This bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly, making it accessible for immediate evaluation.

Section 1

Short Title

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the "States Handling Access to Reciprocity for Employment Act of 2026" or the "SHARE Act of 2026." This provides a common, easily referencable name for the legislation.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupGeneral public, legislative staffImpactClarifies identification of the billMechanismNaming conventionScaleMinor

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that a clear and concise short title helps in public discourse and legislative tracking, making the bill more accessible and understandable to stakeholders.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are primarily for identification and ease of reference.

Tradeoffs

None significant.

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(a)

FBI Authorization to Provide Criminal History Record Information

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision mandates that the FBI must provide criminal history record information (CHRI) to State licensing authorities. This access is facilitated through agreements with State law enforcement agencies or State identification bureaus, specifically for conducting background checks required by interstate compacts for occupational or professional licensing.

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(b)(1)

Prohibition on Sharing Criminal History Record Information

prominently featuredstraightforward

This subsection strictly prohibits State licensing authorities from sharing the actual criminal history record information (CHRI) or any part of it with the compact's Commission, other State entities, other State Licensing Authorities, or the public. The information received from the FBI can only be used for the specific purpose of acting on an individual's license or privilege.

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(b)(2)

Permitted Sharing of Background Check Completion Status

prominently featuredstraightforward

This subsection explicitly allows a State licensing authority to inform a compact Commission that a criminal history background check has been completed and to provide a binary determination (e.g., "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory") regarding the applicant's criminal history. This is specifically stated not to constitute the sharing of criminal history record information under the prohibition in paragraph (1).

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(c)

Definitions

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This subsection provides clear definitions for key terms used throughout the new section, including "Commission," "criminal history record information," "license," "privilege," "State," "State identification bureau," and "State licensing authority." These definitions ensure consistent interpretation and application of the Act's provisions.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Mar 25, 2025)

H.R. 2332119th CongressIntroduced Mar 25, 2025

SHARE Act of 2026

House Committee DischargedGovernment Operations and PoliticsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
Committees: Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 28, 2026

Bottom line

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

This bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly, making it accessible for immediate evaluation.

Section 1

Short Title

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupGeneral public, legislative staffImpactClarifies identification of the billMechanismNaming conventionScaleMinor

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that a clear and concise short title helps in public discourse and legislative tracking, making the bill more accessible and understandable to stakeholders.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are primarily for identification and ease of reference.

Tradeoffs

None significant.

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(a)

FBI Authorization to Provide Criminal History Record Information

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(b)(1)

Prohibition on Sharing Criminal History Record Information

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(b)(2)

Permitted Sharing of Background Check Completion Status

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 2, adding new Section 6404(c)

Definitions

mentioned in summarystraightforward