VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2613

                   March 30, 1996

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 House Bill No. 2613 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to school discipline;"

     Engrossed House Bill No. 2613 specifies that use of force or violence against school personnel is grounds for a student's immediate suspension or expulsion and allows school districts to impose a temporary suspension or expulsion for up to ten days pending an appeal.

     Section 1 of Engrossed House Bill No. 2613 contains a provision that would allow school districts to deny an application for admission from a nonresident student if the student's disciplinary record indicates a history of behavior that has been disruptive to the educational process.

     I understand that several school districts are seeking this authority because they have been unable, in the past, to deny admission to nonresident students with long histories of serious disciplinary problems.  While I appreciate the frustration of these districts in such cases, I am concerned that this broadly‑worded provision would authorize school districts across the state to deny admission to nonresident students with any kind of disciplinary record.  Such authority is clearly inappropriate and inconsistent with the responsibility of our public school system to provide educational services for all our children.  A more targeted approach is necessary to address the concerns raised by these school districts.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 1 of Engrossed House Bill No. 2613.

     With the exception of section 1, Engrossed House Bill No. 2613 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor