VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5554

                   May 9, 1997

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Senate Bill No. 5554 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to deeds of trusts;"

     Senate Bill No. 5554 would have amended the deed of trust act to modify certain notice and other provisions related to foreclosure sales.  Although many of the provisions of the bill would have helped to clarify the law and have my support, I have concerns about the possible implications of other provisions.

     During the drafting of this bill, adequate opportunity for consideration and comment was not provided to the relevant Washington State Bar Association committees and to attorneys with active practices involving the complex law of deeds of trust and foreclosure.  Several concerns have been raised about the possible unintended consequences of this bill.  The law of deeds of trust and foreclosure is fundamental, and cannot be changed without very careful consideration.

     I urge the primary drafters of SB 5554 to work together with the state bar association and interested practitioners to develop legislation that has the full consideration and involvement of the range of interested parties.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill No. 5554 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor