VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6532-S

                   March 30, 1996

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6532 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to exceptions from vessel registration;"

     Substitute Senate Bill No. 6532 provides a blanket exemption from Washington's vessel registration laws for a period of up to six months and does not require that a vessel be registered in any other jurisdiction.

     My concerns with this are twofold.  First, it could result in a violation of federal law and a loss of federal funds.  Federal law requires a vessel operating in U.S. waters to have a valid registration from an issuing authority.  In addition, I have been informed by law enforcement officials that the six month period would make registration enforcement efforts unworkable and would result in a loss of funds for boating safety and enforcement efforts.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6532 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor