Connecticut Senate Bill SB00702

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11
• Refer: 2/16/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Compliance With The Military Selective Service Act.

Impact

The passage of SB00702 will have significant implications for state laws regarding motor vehicle licensing and military obligations. By integrating the registration process with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) procedures, the state aims to enhance compliance rates for the Selective Service System. This change will not only simplify administrative functions for the DMV but also reinforce the legal requirement for young adults to register, potentially increasing awareness and participation in the Selective Service among youth. The law is designed to take effect on October 1, 2011, establishing a new protocol for how license applications are handled.

Summary

SB00702, titled 'An Act Concerning Compliance With The Military Selective Service Act', mandates that individuals applying for or renewing a motor vehicle operator's license or identity card who are under 26 years of age provide consent for registration with the Selective Service System. This bill effectively streamlines the registration process by automatically transmitting relevant information to the Selective Service upon application, thus ensuring compliance with federal law. The goal of the bill is to facilitate the registration of young adults, making it easier for the state to maintain accurate records and fulfill military obligations.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB00702 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators who see it as a necessary step to ensure that young individuals meet their obligations under federal regulations. Proponents argue that this bill will not only promote civic duty among the youth but also reduce the administrative burden on both the DMV and the Selective Service System. However, it's crucial to note that while there is support from various quarters, there may be concerns among some advocates about the implications for privacy and the automatic nature of consent embedded in the application process.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed favorably, there are points of contention regarding privacy concerns and the potential implications of automatically registering individuals without explicit consent each time they apply for a license. Critics may argue that this could lead to unintended consequences, where young people might be registered without fully understanding the implications of their registration status. The balance between facilitating compliance with federal law and ensuring that individuals exercise informed consent remains a critical discussion point in the debates surrounding this legislation.