The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6852, aims to waive certain fees associated with criminal history records checks for indigent individuals seeking a pardon. Specifically, it allows the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to waive fees for criminal history record information searches when applicants demonstrate their financial need through a prescribed form. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no processing or distribution fees will be charged to individuals applying for a pardon if they also apply for a fee waiver due to indigency.

The bill also includes provisions for independent contractors who process fingerprints and demographic information for criminal history checks. It allows these contractors to charge a convenience fee, but this fee can be waived for individuals applying for a pardon who demonstrate indigency. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the forms necessary for applying for fee waivers be made readily available online and at municipal police departments. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-11