General Assembly Raised Bill No. 343 proposes amendments to the laws governing fees for criminal history record checks, specifically aimed at easing the process for individuals seeking pardons. The bill establishes that the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection will charge specific fees for services such as name searches and fingerprinting, while also introducing provisions for fee waivers. Notably, it waives fees for criminal history record information searches for pardon applicants until July 1, 2029, after which waivers may be granted based on the applicant's indigency. Additionally, independent contractors processing fingerprints for these checks are prohibited from charging convenience fees for pardon applicants. The bill also ensures that no processing or distribution fees will be charged for criminal history reports requested for pardon applications, both before and after the specified date.

Furthermore, the legislation mandates the creation of a fee waiver application form, which must be approved by the commissioner and made available online and at municipal police departments by July 1, 2029. The bill emphasizes accessibility for individuals applying for pardons, particularly those facing financial hardship, and aims to streamline the application process. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026. While specific deletions from current law are indicated, they are not detailed in the summary. Overall, the bill seeks to reduce barriers for individuals in need of pardons while maintaining necessary security measures.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-11