SB 6254 - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Authorizes the filing of a claim against any escheat property which reverts to the state under RCW 11.08.150.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6254

                   April 2, 1994

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Senate Bill No. 6254 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to funeral or burial expenses of indigent persons;"

     This bill allows the county to file a claim for funeral or burial expenses against any escheat property which reverts to the state when the county has paid burial expenses of the decedent.

     The bill duplicates current law.  Presently a county may file a claim against a deceased person's estate for any burial or funeral expenses it has incurred when family, friends, and/or organizations do not come forward to claim the body.  The language in this bill is vague and may be misleading.  A county might read this as empowering it to make a claim to the state for payment of the funeral expenses of any indigent person.  I am vetoing this bill and directing the Department of Revenue to provide additional information and guidance to county councils and commissioners about how counties may make claims for payment of burial or funeral expenses of persons who die without heirs or a will.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill No. 6254 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor