SECTION 1. Chapter 53 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 47 the following new section:

Section 47A. Any individual seeking candidacy for office pursuant to chapter 53 of the General Laws shall be required to file a document containing a criminal background check for said individual.  The criminal background check shall be completed consistent with sections 167 to 178B of chapter 6 of the General Laws.  Said documents shall be filed with the elections division of the Secretary of State no later than the last day to file nomination papers pursuant to section 47 of chapter 53 of the General Laws.  The criminal background check must have been conducted not more than 6 weeks and not less than 2 weeks prior to last day of filing nomination papers with the elections division of the Secretary of State.  All fees associated with the criminal check shall be paid by the individual seeking candidacy for office.

SECTION 2. Chapter 39 of the General Laws is hereby amended after section 9A the following new section:

Section 9B. Any individual seeking candidacy for office pursuant to a city or town by-law shall be required to file a document containing a criminal background check for said individual.  The criminal background check shall be completed consistent with sections 167 to 178B of chapter 6 of the General Laws.  Said documents shall be filed with the city or town clerk no later than the last day to file nomination papers as set by the city or town consistent with its by-laws.  The criminal background check must have been conducted not more than 6 weeks and not less than 2 weeks prior to last day of filing nomination papers with the city or town clerk.  All fees associated with the criminal check shall be paid by the individual seeking candidacy for office.