Substitute House Bill No. 6852 proposes to waive various fees associated with criminal history record checks for indigent individuals applying for a pardon. The bill amends Section 29-11 of the general statutes to empower the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to waive fees for criminal history record information searches when applicants demonstrate their indigency using a designated form. It also prohibits independent contractors processing fingerprints from charging convenience fees to those who qualify for a fee waiver. The bill eliminates fees for fingerprinting (up to $30), processing or distribution of criminal history reports, and preregistration with the Connecticut criminal history request system, while maintaining the existing provision that allows for a $75 waiver for state criminal history reports.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commissioner make the fee waiver forms accessible online and at municipal police departments to streamline the application process for pardons. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, and while the initiative is expected to incur costs to the state starting in FY 26, the financial impact will depend on the number of waivers granted. Overall, the bill aims to reduce financial barriers for indigent individuals seeking pardons by ensuring they are not burdened with fees related to their criminal history checks.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-11
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 29-11
File No. 454: 29-11