NH House Testimony

HB55

House · 2025 sessionBipartisanKilled in Senate

Selective Service Compliance Act changes

AI

Relocates the Selective Service Registration Awareness and Compliance Act to a different statutory chapter and removes the requirement that the state university enforce selective service registration.

(New Title) relative to the Selective Service Compliance Act.

Military & Veterans' AffairsEducation - Higher

Status

Killed in the Senate — Inexpedient to Legislate · May 1, 2025
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Division of testimony

11 submissions
Support 9Oppose 2Neutral 0
Rep Kristin NobleSupportBedford, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

In the event the American homeland is attacked there would be no problem recruiting. We saw this directly after 9/11. Men and women did sign up because that attack was personal to all of us. Where the problem comes is fighting in overseas wars that have nothing to do with the the homeland or Americans. Conscientious objectors should not be penalized in any way if they don't want to be drafted to fight in wars that have nothing to do with them. Pass this bill.

Daniel RichardsonOpposeNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

The need for emergency mobilization of national defense has not dissipated with introduction of voluntary service. Everyone enjoying freedoms as American citizens must be held to defend them. Mandatory registration is the minimum benign effort to declare loyalty to the United States and New Hampshire. Our modern military is composed of highly specialized MOS individuals. Even at present, we simply do not have enough to keep a warm bench and viable operators. We need highly skilled technology people who would never consider military service because they have better paying opportunities in business. Operating complex computer-based equipment urgently requires such skills. What precipitates this bill? What disdain do the sponsors foment about national service?

Thomas BurtonSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

As a 100% combat-disabled veteran, I am writing to express my support for the repeal of the Selective Service Registration Awareness and Compliance Act. As someone who has dedicated my life to serving this country, I believe strongly in the principles of personal freedom, informed choice, and equal treatment under the law. Repealing this act is an important step toward aligning with those values. The Selective Service system, and the awareness and compliance measures tied to it, imposes an outdated mandate on young Americans, often with penalties that disproportionately affect those from lower-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. While I fully understand the need for national defense, I also believe that mandating registration under threat of punitive consequences undermines the voluntary spirit of service that defines our armed forces. Service to one’s country should be a choice made with conviction and pride, not one forced by coercive policies. By repealing this act, we honor the principle of personal liberty while allowing young men and women to engage with the question of service on their own terms. Furthermore, our modern military is composed of highly specialized, volunteer forces—individuals who have chosen this path out of commitment and a desire to serve. Maintaining a selective service registry in an era of professionalized military forces feels both unnecessary and out of step with current needs. As a disabled veteran, I have seen the incredible sacrifices required of those who serve. These sacrifices should never be borne by individuals who are forced into service against their will, nor should compliance with registration laws create barriers to education, employment, or personal advancement for those who may not even realize the implications of failing to register. I urge you to support the repeal of the Selective Service Registration Awareness and Compliance Act. Doing so will modernize our approach to military readiness while respecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens. Thank you for your dedication to serving the people of New Hampshire and for considering the perspective of those who have lived the realities of military service.

Megan SchmittSupportConcord, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Krysten EvansSupportPelham, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

James GardnerSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Lauren BankerSupportDurham, NHfor University System of New HampshireJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Nikola OrdwayOpposeDunbarton, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Jason PerraSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Curtis HowlandSupportManchester, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.

Julie SmithSupportNashua, NHfor MyselfJan 17, 2025

Position recorded without written comment.