SB 6692-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS PASSED LEGISLATURE)

     Directs the board to work with various federal and tribal land management agencies to coordinate weed control.

     Declares that local and county weed boards are authorized to enter federal lands to control weeds.

     Authorizes the local or county weed board to bill the federal land management agency that controls the land for the cost of the weed control if the federal agency fails to control weeds on the land.

     Repeals RCW 17.10.200.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6692-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. 6692 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the state weed board;"

     Substitute Senate Bill No. 6692 directs the State Noxious Weed Control Board to work with various federal and tribal land management agencies to coordinate weed control.  The bill declares that county weed boards and weed districts are authorized to enter federal lands to control noxious weeds and may not be held liable for those actions.  The bill authorizes the county weed boards and weed districts to bill federal agencies for all the costs of the noxious weed control performed on federal land.  It also directs each county prosecuting attorney's office to assist in any challenges to the authority of these entities or actions under this chapter and in the collection of all costs related to the noxious weed control performed on federal land.

     Substitute Senate Bill No. 6692 contains language in section 1(3) that may create legal problems which would lead to administrative difficulties or may prevent the law from becoming operational.  The intent of the bill, however, is admirable.  The spread of noxious weeds causes economic and environmental damage on state and private lands.  Improved coordination and more effective control of noxious weeds in Washington State are needed.  To accomplish these goals, we must work with federal agencies to build a stronger partnership.

     I strongly encourage the State Noxious Weed Control Board to work with all stakeholders as they prepare their recommendations for the 1997 Legislature.  I am confident that these efforts will lead to improved effectiveness and to better coordination in the control of noxious weeds in Washington State.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6692 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor