HB 1408.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Authorizes marshals, sheriffs, prison or jail wardens or their deputies, or other law enforcement officers of this state or another state to carry concealed pistols.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1408

                   April 1, 1998

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 1 of Engrossed House Bill No. 1408 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the carrying of a concealed pistol by persons from another state;"

     Section 1 of EHB 1408 would allow a non-resident to bring a concealed handgun into the state as long as he or she has a license from some other state.  A number of states issue licenses without the strict standards and background checks Washington law requires, and section 1 would force our law enforcement agencies to honor all those permits.  In addition, the practical effect of section 1 would be to require prosecutors to check with all 50 states in order to convict a person of violating our law against carrying a concealed handgun without a license.  This is tantamount to repeal of the concealed handgun license law. 

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 1 of Engrossed House Bill No. 1408.

     With the exception of section 1, Engrossed House Bill No. 1408 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor