The Criminal Offender Record Information Act made the creation of the board as mandatory. This is in order to maintain a system of information for the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), as well as to aid non-criminal justice bodies in getting access to criminal records in Massachusetts. Thus, the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board was formed in 1972 as a result of the Criminal Offender Record Information Act. Since then, the board has helped thousands upon thousands with their services.

One needs to pay fees though in order to avail of the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board’s services. These fees may vary from person to person; they may also depend on which agency requires the information. At present, the fees are between $15 and $30. This is due to the amending of M.G.L.c.6, 172A, which was made effective since July 1, 2004.