VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6002-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 3, Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6002 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to supervision of mentally ill offenders;"

     This legislation establishes a pilot program to provide specialized access and follow up care to mentally ill offenders after they are released from confinement.  Under this program, the offenders will get help finding employment, housing and treatment services.  I believe this type of program will serve the public well by insuring that mentally ill offenders get the help they need to successfully reintegrate into the community.

     Section 3 would require that the state "shall indemnify and hold harmless the regional support network, private provider, and any mental health provider, housing facility or other mental health provider from all claims or suits arising in any manner from acts committed by an enrolled offender during his or her period of enrollment."  As drafted, section 3 would expose the state to an undue risk of liability.  To address concerns that program enrollees may present special liability risks for service providers, the Department of Social and Health Services shall consider all reasonable and appropriate means to help limit service provider exposure to liability.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 3 of Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6002.

     With the exception of section 3, I am approving Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6002.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor