VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 2570

March 30, 2012

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,
The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Section 1, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2570 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to metal property theft."

Section 1 creates a twenty-four member task force to study the issue of metal theft and make recommendations to the Legislature. As I have stated many times, I do not support the statutory creation of new boards, commissions, work groups, or task forces. I believe this task force can be assembled independently, by the interested parties, without the need for a statute. In the alternative, the Legislative Committee(s) with jurisdiction can make the issue part of its interim work plan.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 1 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2570.

With the exception of Section 1, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2570 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine Gregoire
Governor