Sec. 1. 18-A MRSA §1-701, sub-§§(e) and (f) are enacted to read:

(e)__The judge may assess against the person seeking a name change the cost of a criminal history record check, a motor vehicle record check, a credit check or any combination of these that the court may require.

(f)__The judge may not change the name of the person if the judge has reason to believe that the person is seeking the name change for purposes of defrauding another person or entity or for purposes otherwise contrary to the public interest.

SUMMARY

This bill allows a judge to require a criminal history record check, motor vehicle record check or credit check for any person who seeks a name change and to assess the cost of any such check against the person. The bill also prohibits a name change if the judge has reason to believe the change is for fraudulent purposes or against the public interest.