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AB 2796CALIFORNIASession 20252026
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California AB 2796 standardizes and expands fingerprint-based criminal background checks across state agencies and licensing boards

Original title: Criminal history information: background checks.

August 30, 2026

Criminal JusticeBackground ChecksLicensingPublic SafetyState GovernmentPrivacyCriminalhistoryinformationbackgroundchecks

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Where This Stands

Currently Unknown. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Introduced.

Version history & redline

3 versions on file

Official version history is partial: 3 linked texts are unavailable or incomplete. Source links remain available below.

Comparing 04/16/26 - Introduced → 05/27/26 - Amended Assembly
removed addedOfficial text

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pdf extract failed: Invalid PDF structure.

Redline computed from the official version text (record lane).View this version →

The Frame

What this does

The bill creates a uniform, state-wide process for criminal background checks that directly impacts the hiring, licensing, and certification requirements for thousands of professionals, volunteers, and contractors across California.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Registered nurse applicants

Applicants must now undergo fingerprint-based state and national criminal history background checks.

Firearm permit applicants

Applicants must submit fingerprints for state and national background checks to verify eligibility.

Community care facility staff

The scope of individuals subject to background checks is expanded to include administrators, managers, and those with significant financial interests.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 30, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This urgency bill mandates fingerprint-based state and national criminal history background checks for a wide range of state applicants, including registered nurses, firearm certificate holders, and various facility staff. It expands the authority of state departments to access criminal history information and creates new requirements for background checks in housing, healthcare, and professional licensing sectors.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

The bill creates a uniform, state-wide process for criminal background checks that directly impacts the hiring, licensing, and certification requirements for thousands of professionals, volunteers, and contractors across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill change background check requirements for nurses?
Yes, it mandates that all applicants for registered nurse licensure must undergo a fingerprint-based state and national criminal history background check.
How does this affect firearm permit applicants?
Applicants for certificates of eligibility and dangerous weapons licenses must now submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice for state and national background checks to determine eligibility.
What happens if I am a volunteer at a criminal justice agency?
Background checks are now only required for volunteers who have direct or remote access to the agency's systems or unescorted access to its facilities.

News Coverage

Right1
1 source
Blind spot - no left-leaning coverage
R

Judge: Trump DOJ May Keep 2020 Election Ballots FBI Seized in Fulton County

BreitbartMay 7, 2026

A federal judge has denied Fulton County's request to have 2020 election ballots returned, ruling that the FBI may keep the records seized during a criminal investigation. The judge acknowledged flaws in the FBI's search warrant affidavit but determined they did not meet the legal threshold for returning the evidence.

Bias ratings based on AllSides / Media Bias/Fact Check

Sponsors

Connected Entities

organizationHousing Development and Finance Committee“Authorized to require background checks for personnel”Map →
personAttorney General“Authorized to share criminal history information”Map →
organizationBoard of Registered Nursing“Regulates nursing practice and licensing”Map →
organizationState Department of Social Services“Licenses community care facilities”Map →
organizationFederal Bureau of Investigation“Authorizes federal criminal history checks”Map →
organizationState Department of Health Care Services“Administers Medi-Cal provider screening”Map →
organizationDepartment of Justice“Processes fingerprint images and criminal history responses”Map →
organizationState Department of Public Health“New authority for fingerprint submission and provider screening”Map →

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance85
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy40
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment10
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz25
    Current news / social attention level

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