SB 6532-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Revises RCW 88.02.030 to extend the exception to vessels registered in another country.

     Extends the exemption from sixty days to six months, unless the vessel is used in conducting a nontransitory business activity.

     Expires July 1, 1999.

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