Massachusetts § 172A - Fee for request for criminal offender record information or self-audit; permitted uses of revenues received under this section
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 172A — Fee for request for criminal offender record information or self-audit; permitted uses of revenues received under this section, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 172A. Fee for request for criminal offender record information or self-audit; permitted uses of revenues received under this section
Section 172A. The commissioner shall assess a fee for each request for criminal offender record information or self-audit, according to a fee structure established by the secretary of public safety and security. No fee shall be assessed for a request made by a victim of crime or a witness or a family member of a homicide victim, all as defined in section 1 of chapter 258B, or for a request made by any local, state or federal government entity, including any requests from navigator organizations certified by the commonwealth health insurance connector authority under 42 U.S.C. § 18031(i), or veterans organizations requesting information relative to employees, volunteers and veterans that such organizations shall provide housing for. The commissioner shall waive the fee or a portion of the fee from such other persons as provided in the department's rules and regulations. The department is authorized to enter into contracts and agreements for reduced or bulk fees for requestors who make extensive use of the database.
The department shall be authorized, subject to appropriation, to retain a portion of the revenues received by the commonwealth under this section for the following purposes: to assist ex-offenders in obtaining and maintaining employment, including, but not limited to, workforce development training and other applicable training programs, training and auditing requestors described in subsection (a) of section 172, providing education and assistance regarding the correction of criminal records, including but not limited to, training judges, providing the necessary information to employers and other applicable persons in possession of an applicant's criminal offender record information, and to operate and maintain the public safety information system and the criminal records review board.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 172A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 172A cover?
Section 172A ("Fee for request for criminal offender record information or self-audit; permitted uses of revenues received under this section") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts § 172A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 172A" (Massachusetts). 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 Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 172A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.