VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5867-S

                   May 20, 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 sections 12 and 25, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5867 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to hotel and motel taxes in certain cities and towns;"

     Substitute Senate Bill No. 5867 would repeal separate hotel/motel tax authorizations for particular municipalities, but not alter the authority for hotel/motel taxes by public facility districts.  The bill attempts to simplify the imposition, collection and distribution of hotel/motel tax revenues by: (1) clarifying the uses to which the taxes can be applied; (2) making more uniform the rates municipalities may levy; and (3) establishing local advisory committees to recommend uses for local hotel/motel taxes.  All of these are worthwhile goals.

     Section 12 conflicts with legislation previously approved by the 1997 legislature and therefore I have vetoed it.  Section 25 provides a delayed effective date which is unneeded.

     For this reason, I have vetoed sections 12 and 25 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 5867.

     With the exception of sections 12 and 25, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5867 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor