VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5954

                   May 7, 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 2, Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5954 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to claims against the University of Washington;"

     This legislation moves the University of Washington's self-insurance fund from the custody of the state treasurer to the university, and makes the university the investment manager for the fund rather than the state investment board.  These changes simplify the administrative procedures for using the fund by eliminating the involvement of multiple agencies.

     ESB 5954 includes an emergency clause in section 2.  Although this bill is important, it is not a matter for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 2 of Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5954.

     With the exception of section 2, Engrossed Senate Bill No. 5954 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor