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2016-09

Resolution Urging Congress to Link Selective Service Registration with the Process of Applying for a Driver's License of Identification Card

Representative Ángel Cruz, Law and Criminal Justice Task Force

WHEREAS, Federal law requires that every male United States citizen and male immigrant non-citizen residing in the United States or its territories must register with the U.S. Selective Service System within 30 days of his 18th birthday.

WHEREAS, in an effort to ensure compliance with federal law among young men, many states and territories, and the District of Columbia, have enacted legislation which links Selective Service registration with the process of applying for a driver's license, renewal,or state identification card.

WHEREAS, Delaware was the first state that reached a nearly 100 percent compliance rate, since beginning the legislation in 2000.

WHEREAS, if men fail to register with Selective Service, they become ineligible for programs and benefits like: federal student loans and grant programs, federal job training under the Workforce Investment Act, federal jobs or security clearance as a
contractor, and U.S. citizenship for immigrants.

WHEREAS, young men who do not register for the draft may also be denied financial aid for college through the federal government.

WHEREAS, under Arizona law, when submitting an application for a duplicate driver license or identification card, if you are a male applicant between the ages of 18 and 26, you have the option to consent to registration in Selective Service as part of the
application process.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, NHCSL advocates for every state to link Selective Service registration with the process of applying for a driver’s license or state identification card.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, NHCSL supports any efforts made to maintain a high compliance rate in order to make fair and equitable any future draft instituted by Congress and the President.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED ON APRIL 30, 2016, AT THE NHCSL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BUSINESS BOARD OF ADVISORS MEETING HELD IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Sponsored by: Representative Ángel Cruz