§ 17B-2A-1 — Legislative intent

It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to protect state residents from the penalties associated with failing to register with the United States selective service system and to help ensure that any future draft is fair and equitable to all potential draftees.

The Legislature finds and declares that the penalties associated with noncompliance are severe, including, but not limited to, a felony conviction and forfeiture of the ability to seek state employment from certain state agencies and departments. In addition, failure to register may permanently preclude the violator from acquiring many federal benefits, such as federal employment, including employment with the United States postal service, federal and state student financial assistance, participation in federally funded job training programs and eligibility for United States citizenship for immigrants seeking citizenship.

Therefore, in recognition of the severe consequences of noncompliance and the importance of helping ensure that any future draft is fair and equitable, it is the intent of the Legislature to notify state residents of their responsibility to register with selective service and to provide them the opportunity to register concurrent with applying for a driver's license or identification card.

Legislative History

2002 Reg. Sess., SB438