HB 1906-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of children is paramount over the right of any person to provide care.

     Requires administrative law judges to be trained in child care issues.

     Revises procedures for licensing requirements for foster family homes.

     Establishes additional penalties for a failure to comply with license standards.

     Revises procedures for background checks for licensees.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1906-S

                   May 9, 1995

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 9, Substitute House Bill No. 1906 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to child care licensing;"

     Substitute House Bill No. 1906 clarifies that the health and safety of children is paramount over the right of any person to be licensed to provide care.  Section 9 provides guidelines for the issuance of initial foster-family home licenses.  Section 22 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5885 offers the same guidelines, but explicitly spells out the conditions required for issuing an initial license.  Vetoing section 9 of Substitute House Bill No. 1906 gives full effect to this bill while including the greater specificity offered by section 22 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5885.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 9 of Substitute House Bill No. 1906.

     With the exception of section 9, Substitute House Bill No. 1906 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor