Mass. bill would let RMV forward young applicants' data to Selective Service unless they opt out

A bill filed Jan. 15, 2025 in the Massachusetts House would authorize registrars who process applications for operator’s licenses, learner’s permits or state identification cards to forward identifying information to the Selective Service System to register applicants ages 18 to 25 unless the applicant declines. Representatives Kathleen R. LaNatra and Kenneth P. Sweezey filed the measure as House Bill No. 3718 and listed Transportation as the committee reference.

The bill would require registrars to notify applicants ages 16 to 26 about the federal duty to register with the Selective Service System, to explain that signing an application at the registry constitutes consent to forward the necessary information for registration at or after the applicant’s 18th birthday, and to provide a written opt-out statement. It also directs registrars to make that written notice available in English, Spanish and other languages the registrar determines appropriate.

Supporters of the bill said the change is intended to make it more convenient for eligible residents to meet a federal registration requirement; the bill text itself states that an applicant’s signature on a license or ID application “shall constitute consent” to forward the limited information necessary for registration unless the applicant signs a statement declining consent. The bill instructs registrars to forward information in electronic format no sooner than the applicant’s 18th birthday.

The draft law includes multiple privacy and nondiscrimination provisions. It says a refusal to grant consent may not be used to deny driving privileges or as a basis for discrimination; it forbids registrars from compiling or distributing lists of applicants who declined to grant authority to forward their information, and it restricts distribution of lists of those who did grant authority except as allowed in the bill.

Implementation of the bill would be contingent on the registrar’s receipt of sufficient federal funds to cover a reasonable portion of initial start-up costs for necessary computer programming changes. The bill directs the registrar to pursue federal funds for that purpose and to report to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and the House and Senate committees on Ways and Means when federal funds have been received by the department.

The measure amends Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws by inserting a new Section 8N after Section 8M and references compliance with section 3 of the federal Military Selective Service Act for the registration requirement. As filed, the bill is an introduced measure; the transcript of the bill filing does not record committee action, public comment or a legislative vote.