Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1237

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 that all male applicants for driver's licenses, instruction permits, intermediate licenses, and identicards who are under age 26 be given the opportunity to register with the Selective Service System.
Prohibits the Department of Licensing (DOL) from denying the issuance of requested documents because an applicant declines to register with the Selective Service System.
Requires the DOL to forward to the Selective Service System personal information from an applicant who authorizes the DOL to forward the information.

Allows the DOL to provide Selective Service System registration information to applicants who decline to register.

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. Individuals can register many different ways, including 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 the 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 must be given the opportunity to register with the Selective Service System. An applicant who declines to register with the Selective Service System cannot be denied the requested document if the applicant meets all of the other requirements to receive the requested document.

When an applicant authorizes the Department of Licensing (DOL) to forward personal information necessary to register with the Selective Service System, the DOL is required to forward the personal information to the Selective Service System within 10 days of receipt of the application. The DOL is required to notify the applicant that by submitting the application he is authorizing the DOL to register him with the Selective Service System. If the applicant is under the age of 18, the DOL is required to notify the applicant that the registration will occur when the applicant turns 18 years of age. The DOL is also allowed to provide Selective Service System registration information to applicants who decline to register with the system through the DOL.

The requirements placed on the DOL are subject to the availability of funds appropriated for the purpose of the activities contained in the bill.