BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2574
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 10, 2000
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Tom Torlakson, Chair
AB 2574 (Briggs) - As Amended: April 4, 2000
SUBJECT : Driver's license: selective service registration
SUMMARY : Requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to
notify males 18 to 26 years of age who are applying for a
driver's license that they must register with the federal
Selective Service and that by applying for a license, they are
also registering with the Selective Service. Specifically, this
bill :
1)Allows DMV to disclose a person's social security number to
the federal Selective Service System.
1)Requires DMV to notify males 18 to 26 years of age, when
applying for either an original driver's license, a renewal of
a driver's license, or an identification card, that they are
required to register with the federal Selective Service.
1)Requires DMV to notify males 18 to 26 years of age, when
applying for either a driver's license or an identification
card, that by applying for a license or identification card
they will be automatically registered with the federal
Selective Service, if they have not registered previously.
1)Does not require that DMV supply the above notification to
those who are exempt from the Military Selective Service Act
for any reason.
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 for obtaining a driver's license or an
identification card, including the requirement that a person
must disclose his or her social security number.
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
AB 2574
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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
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.
Under existing practices, DMV gives to the Selective Service
twice per year a list of all males 17 to 25 years of age who
hold driver's licenses and identification cards. This list is
by name, address, and date of birth only. The Selective Service
uses the list to check against its own list of those who have
registered with the Selective Service. The Selective Service
then notifies those males who appear on DMV's list, but have not
registered, to inform them of their obligation to register under
federal law.
Author'sAmendments : The author has agreed to amend the bill so
that it is gender neutral, rather than applying only to males.
This will ensure that California's law is up to date, if the
Selective Service Act is amended to require women to register.
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
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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