SB 5474 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Revises the prohibited act of discrimination against persons with sensory, mental, or physical handicap to apply to persons with sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service dog by a disabled person.

     Makes age discrimination prohibitions applicable to persons forty years of age or older.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5474

                   May 18, 1993

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 19, Senate Bill No. 5474, entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to discrimination;"

     Senate Bill No. 5474 strengthens the penalties available to the Human Rights Commission for civil rights violations.  I strongly support the bill's direction in this, as well as a number of technical clean up provisions.  However, section 5 of the bill would unnecessarily amend the definition of disability in Chapter 49.60 RCW, the state Law Against Discrimination.  The determination of disabilities under current law can be examined by the Commission on a case by case basis.

     Section 19 of the bill amends RCW 49.60.224.  This same section of law is amended to include the changes contained in this bill in section 8 of House Bill No. 1476 which I have already signed.  Therefore, section 19 is unnecessary.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 5 and 19 of Senate Bill No. 5474.

     With the exception of sections 5 and 19, Senate Bill No. 5474 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor