This from the state that has brought employers the 10 day background check . . . The state of New Hampshire has announced plans to raise court access fees to $20.00 per name for court records. One might understand the new fee structure if the state agreed to staff courts to accommodate a more reasonable turn around time. Alternately, the state might consider allowing access to public records without the help of a court clerk.
This fee is set to take effect on August 1, 2009. The National Association of Professional Background Screeners is encouraging its members and their affected clients to oppose this policy.
If you are interested in participating, you can send a letter or email the New Hampshire Administrative Office of the Courts at:
New Hampshire Administrative Office of the Courts
Director Donald Goodnow & the Administrative Council
Telephone: (603) 271.2521, Extension 5
Fax: (603) 513.5454
Email: lmcmanis@courts.state.nh.us
Here is the message we have already sent to the state. Feel free to borrow or modify as you see fit.
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing to oppose your new order to increase court fees for criminal record searches. This fee increase will have a severe impact on employers in your state and others. Companies seeking to hire individuals from New Hampshire will not be able to afford the background check. This could put your citizens at peril of not getting a job they are otherwise qualified for. Our fear is employers will simply skip good candidates because they are too expensive to screen. In these tough economic times it is important to ensure everyone has an equal chance to gain employment.
