July 24, 2026

The IACP and Law Enforcement Partners Express Concerns over H.R. 7916, the CODIS Access Modernization Act

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), along with several major law enforcement organizations, have expressed concerns with H.R. 7916, the CODIS Access Modernization Act. The legislation is intended to help address DNA testing backlogs by expanding the role of accredited private laboratories and permitting them to upload qualifying DNA profiles directly into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), the FBI’s national DNA database.

While the IACP supports efforts to reduce forensic laboratory backlogs and increase DNA testing capacity, the collation’s letter argues that the bill would allow private laboratories to bypass the state and local review processes that currently help ensure DNA profiles meet established quality, accuracy, and compliance standards before being entered into CODIS. The letter notes that removing these safeguards could create evidentiary and operational challenges and potentially undermine the integrity of criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The IACP and its law enforcement partners also warn that the legislation does not adequately address issues related to data stewardship, privacy protections, evidentiary requirements, analyst testimony, and long-term accountability for private laboratories. The coalition urged Congress to delay advancement of the bill until state and local police stakeholders are fully consulted and a more comprehensive implementation framework is developed.

The House Committee Advanced Bill Supporting the National Law Enforcement Museum

The House Natural Resources Committee advanced H.R. 309, a bill that would provide $6 million annually for seven years to support the National Law Enforcement Museum through federal grants. The funding would support officer wellness programs; public education and outreach; law enforcement history exhibits; and expanded museum access for law enforcement officers, families of fallen officers, and the public. This bill will now move to the full House for consideration.

The House Passed a Continuing Resolution Government Funding Bill

The House has passed the short-term funding bill in anticipation of a potential government shutdown before the fall’s midterm elections. The bill would fund the federal government through December 4, 2026. This bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

The House Passed $1.15 Trillion Defense Bill

The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (H.R. 8800). The bill would authorize FY 2027 defense programs and investments aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base and accelerating the development of emerging technologies, including drones, counter-drone capabilities, and artificial intelligence. This bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

The House Passed the (ELO) Office Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act

The House passed the ELO Realignment and Strategic Engagement Reform Act (H.R. 7574), legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a plan to realign the Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach Office within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. The bill is intended to evaluate how DHS engages and shares information with stakeholders and identify opportunities to improve coordination and outreach efforts. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The House Passed the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act

The House passed the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Reporting Act (H.R. 8874), which would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit a report to Congress every three years identifying homeland security capabilities previously supported through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) that may be at risk of degradation or elimination without continued federal funding. The report is intended to help policymakers better understand capability gaps and the long-term impacts of changes in federal support. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The House Passed the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act

The House passed the Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act (H.R. 8535), legislation aimed at strengthening the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat illicit fentanyl trafficking. The bill directs DHS to strengthen information sharing among components involved in fentanyl detection, interdiction and seizure efforts, identify barriers to coordination, and establish department-wide performance measures to assess the effectiveness of fentanyl interdiction activities. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Blanche Nomination Update

Todd Blanche, current acting attorney general and President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a two-day confirmation hearing on July 15 and 16, 2026. The IACP will continue to monitor the nomination as it moves through the confirmation process.

Past Legislative Updates