Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 2433

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires male applicants for driver's licenses, instruction permits, intermediate licenses, and identicards to be registered with the selective service system, unless the person declines to register, in which case the applicant cannot be denied the requested document.
Requires the Department of Licensing to forward any necessary personal information from an applicant to the selective service system.

Background:

The federal Military Selective Service Act of 1948 requires virtually all men between the ages of 18 and 26 living in the United States, as well as male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 26 living abroad, to register with the selective service system. Among the ways in which individuals can register are online, by mail, or by checking a box on the federal application for student aid.

Failure to register with the selective service system is a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. In addition to these criminal penalties, registration with the selective service system is required for men to remain eligible for federal student loans and grants, many federal jobs, certain job training benefits, and U.S. citizenship for male immigrants seeking citizenship.

Summary of Bill:

All male applicants for driver's licenses, instruction permits, intermediate licenses, and identicards who are under the age of 26 are required to be registered as required by the Military Selective Service Act, unless the person declines to register. An applicant who declines to register with the selective service system cannot be denied the requested document as long as the applicant meets all of the other requirements to receive the requested document.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is required to forward any necessary personal information from an applicant to the selective service system within 10 days of the receipt of the application. If the applicant is under the age of 18, the DOL is required to notify the applicant that he will be registered with the selective service system as required by federal law.