VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5127-S2

                   May 13, 1997

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 9, Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5127 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to funding trauma care services;"

     Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5127 establishes a grant program for designated trauma services under the Department of Health.  Section 9 of the bill would direct legislative committees to review executive agency rules and to conduct work sessions and hearings outside of the regular legislative sessions to verify that funds are being used properly and efficiently.  This is an inappropriate use of legislative committees.  Reviews such as this, if necessary, should be done by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 9 of Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5127.

     With the exception of section 9, I am approving Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5127.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor