SB 6263-S2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Facilitates marine management planning.

Provides that the act is null and void if appropriations are not approved.

 
VETO MESSAGE ON 2SSB 6263

March 30, 2012

To the Honorable President and Members,
The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Sections 5 and 6, Second Substitute Senate Bill 6263 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to facilitating marine management planning."

Sections 5 and 6 of the bill would establish the membership and duties of a new Washington State Coastal Solutions Council. Among other duties, this Council would provide a forum to seek consistency in state, local, and tribal policies concerning coastal waters issues; engage other governments on behalf of the state; and provide policy recommendations to the governor, the Legislature, and state and local agencies on specific coastal waters resource management issues.

It is unclear how the Council would exercise these substantial duties in relation to the agencies with jurisdiction, which could participate only as nonvoting members. While the Council would be located within the Governor's Office, the Council would determine its own membership and be an autonomous body. As we look to regain our strength in the post-recession economy, now is not the time to be creating new state commissions. I remain committed to an efficient, lean government that will better serve the citizens of this state.

I fully agree with the legislative intent to directly engage our coastal communities and give them a stronger voice in shaping their future. To that purpose, I will assign a representative from my office to actively participate in the existing Coastal Advisory Board convened by the Department of Ecology.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Sections 5 and 6 of Second Substitute Senate Bill 6263.

With the exception of Sections 5 and 6, Second Substitute Senate Bill 6263 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine Gregoire
Governor