BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2574
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 3, 2000
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Tom Torlakson, Chair
AB 2574 (Briggs) - As Introduced: February 25, 2000
SUBJECT : Driver's license: selective service registration
SUMMARY : Requires every man who is 18 to 26 years of age to
sign a statement that he has complied with the federal Military
Selective Service Act, before the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) can issue or renew his California Driver's License.
Specifically, this bill :
1)Prohibits DMV from issuing a driver's license or renewing an
existing license for a man 18 to 26 years of age if he does
not sign a statement that he has complied with the Selective
Service Act.
2)Makes the statement part of DMV's driver's license
application.
3)Exempts any man who has previously served or is serving in the
armed forces of the United States, is not a citizen or
resident alien, or is not subject to the Selective Service
Act, and who provides proof to DMV that he falls into one of
these categories.
EXISTING LAW requires persons who drive a motor vehicle upon the
state's roads and highways to hold a valid driver's license, and
prescribes the processes and rules for obtaining a driver's
license.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown costs to DMV.
COMMENTS : According to the author, "There is a need for this
bill because there is a well-documented high rate of
noncompliance (with Selective Service registration) in
California?. Non-compliance sends a strong message to despots
around the world that the United States is growing soft and
weak, and will not be able to respond to any type of military
emergency."
Opponents argue that DMV is charged with licensing drivers in
California, and that Selective Service registration is unrelated
AB 2574
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to a man's driving ability. Opponents also point out that
those who do not register with the Selective Service are already
subject to up to $250,000 in fines and five years imprisonment,
and that such penalties are sufficient punishment for violating
the Selective Service requirements. Further, opponents note
that it is very likely men who do not register with the
Selective Service will choose to drive without a California
Driver's License.
The Legislature and the Governor created DMV to license drivers
and vehicles in the state. Over the years, the Legislature and
Governor have given DMV additional duties that are unrelated to
its original mission. These duties include providing drivers
the opportunity to register to vote through the "Motor Voter"
program, ensuring payment of child support prior to issuing a
driver's license, and determining that driver's license
applicants are legally present in the United States.
Federal legislation : Currently pending federal legislation,
H.R. 1812, sponsored by Congressman Ron Paul, would suspend the
Selective Service registration except during periods of national
emergencies.
Double referral : The Assembly Rules Committee referred this
bill first to the Transportation Committee and second to the
Committee on Veterans Affairs.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
Association of the U.S. Army, Central California Chapter 6105
Fresno County National Guard Commission
Legion of Valor
National Infantry Association, 185th Infantry Chapter
Opposition
Committee Opposed to Militarism and the Draft
Friends Committee on Legislation
Three individuals
Analysis Prepared by : Carrie Cornwell / TRANS. / (916)
319-2011