VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1821-S

                        May 21, 1991

To the Honorable, the House

  of Representatives of the

  State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      I am returning herewith, without my approval Substitute House Bill No. 1821 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the fraudulent installation of fire protection sprinkler systems."

      This act amends the criminal code, making it a gross misdemeanor for anyone to install, construct, or maintain a fire protection sprinkler system without first obtaining from the State of Washington, a fire sprinkler contractor's license.

      In requiring a license for all personnel who work on sprinkler systems, in-house maintenance employees would be prohibited from performing responsibilities currently required by their employer.  The drafters of this legislation note that they did not intend to eliminate the exemption for in-house employees which was enacted just last year.

      The inadvertent impact of subsection two of this act requires a veto of the entire section, and thus the entire bill.  However, because the stated goal of this legislation is laudable, I am directing the Department of Community Development to work with the proponents of this bill to prepare agency request legislation which will accomplish the stated goal without the unintended consequence of this act.

      For the reason stated, I have vetoed Substitute House Bill No. 1821 in its entirety.

                        Respectfully submitted,

                        Booth Gardner

                        Governor