VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1757-S

                   May 14, 1997

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, Substitute House Bill No. 1757 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to security guard licenses;"

     This legislation would provide an exception to the training and other regulations required for security officers, for people employed in crowd management - even though they may perform the same duties as security officers. 

     I have strong concerns that the use of trained, regulated security guards would be undermined by this bill and public safety could be compromised.  First, the bill provides no distinction between what constitutes the duties of crowd management personnel and crowd control officers.  Secondly, and more importantly, it allows such crowd management personnel to perform the duties of security officers as long as it is not on a "routine" basis.  Such personnel are responsible for exerting physical force, restraining or even handcuffing other persons and as such, should not be performing those duties unless trained and regulated.  The need for professional control of crowds at large scale events such as rock concerts is well-documented, and this bill would weaken the protections the public has a right to expect.

     I will direct the Department of Licensing to review existing regulations and practices to make clear that those individuals who do not perform the duties of security guards are not subject to the security guard regulations.  It is not the intent, nor is it current practice, to require ticket takers or ushers who do not act as security guards to be licensed or regulated.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Substitute House Bill No. 1757 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor