Connecticut § 29-17a - Criminal history records checks. Procedure. Fees.

Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 29-17a — Criminal history records checks. Procedure. Fees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 29-17a. Criminal history records checks. Procedure. Fees.

Sec. 29-17a. Criminal history records checks. Procedure. Fees. (a) If a criminal history records check is required pursuant to any provision of the general statutes, such check shall be requested from the State Police Bureau of Identification and shall be applicable to the individual identified in the request. The requesting party shall arrange for the fingerprinting of the individual or for conducting any other method of positive identification required by the State Police Bureau of Identification and, if a national criminal history records check is requested, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The fingerprints or other positive identifying information shall be forwarded to the State Police Bureau of Identification which shall conduct a state criminal history records check. If a national criminal history records check is requested, the State Police Bureau of Identification shall submit the fingerprints or other positive identifying information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check, unless the Federal Bureau of Investigation permits direct submission of the fingerprints or other positive identifying information by the requesting party.

(b) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection may charge fees for conducting criminal history background checks as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, for a person requesting (A) a state criminal history records check, the fee charged by the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for performing such check, and (B) a national criminal history records check, the fee charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for performing such check.

(2) For a state agency requesting a national criminal history records check of a person, the fee charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for performing such check. The state agency shall reimburse the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for such cost. Unless otherwise provided by the provision of the general statutes requiring the criminal history records check, the state agency may charge the person a fee equal to the amount paid by the state agency under this subdivision.

(c) The Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection may provide an expedited service for persons requesting criminal history records checks in accordance with this section. Such expedited service shall include making the results of such records checks available to the requesting party through the Internet. The commissioner may enter into a contract with any person, firm or corporation to establish and administer such expedited service. The commissioner shall charge, in addition to the fees charged pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, a fee of fifty dollars for each expedited criminal history record check provided. The fee charged pursuant to subsection (b) of this section and the expedited service fee charged pursuant to this subsection shall be paid by the requesting party in such manner as may be required by the commissioner.

(P.A. 01-175, S. 31, 32; P.A. 05-267, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3, S. 308; P.A. 11-51, S. 134.)

History: P.A. 01-175 effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 05-267 added Subsec. (c) re expedited service; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-3 amended Subsec. (c) to increase expedited service fee from $25 to $50; pursuant to P.A. 11-51, “Commissioner of Public Safety” and “Department of Public Safety” were changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection” and “Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection”, respectively, effective July 1, 2011.

Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 29-17a

What does Connecticut General Statutes § 29-17a cover?

Section 29-17a ("Criminal history records checks. Procedure. Fees.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Connecticut § 29-17a?

A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 29-17a" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Connecticut law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.

How does Connecticut § 29-17a apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.