VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5185

                   March 31, 1998

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Second Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5185 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to growth management hearings boards;"

     Second Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5185 would substantially weaken the authority of the Growth Management Hearings Boards.  Among other provisions, the bill would prohibit the Boards from determining the validity and invalidity of city or county comprehensive plans or development regulations.  These changes would effectively take the accountability out of complying with the Growth Management Act.

     This bill would also lead to citizens, organizations, and government agencies going to the courts to resolve major disagreements about implementation of the Growth Management Act.  It would replace an efficient dispute resolution system with a process that relies on our overburdened court system.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Second Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5185 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor