SB 6328-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Finds that merger of the departments of fisheries and wildlife resulted in two criminal codes applicable to fish and wildlife, and that it has become increasingly difficult to administer and enforce the two criminal codes.  Furthermore, laws defining crimes involving fish and wildlife have evolved over many years of changing uses and management objectives for fish and wildlife.  The resulting two codes make it difficult for citizens to comply with the law and unnecessarily complicate enforcement of laws against violators.

     Declares an intent to revise and recodify the criminal laws governing fish and wildlife, ensuring that all people involved with fish and wildlife are able to know and understand the requirements of the laws and the risks of violation.  Additionally, the legislature intends to create a more uniform approach to criminal laws governing fish and wildlife and to the laws authorizing prosecution, sentencing, and punishments, including defining new crimes and repealing crimes that are redundant to other provisions of the criminal code.

     Repeals provisions in chapters 75.10, 75.12, 77.16, and 77.21 RCW.

VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6328-S

                   March 27, 1998

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 123, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6328 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to fish and wildlife code enforcement;"

     The codes for the former Departments of Fish and Wildlife were not properly dealt with when those departments were merged several years ago.  ESSB 6328 consolidates and standardizes the enforcement code for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  This bill is long overdue, and I commend the Department and the Legislature for their hard work in developing this legislation.

     Section 123 of ESSB 6328 amends a part of the statute that is also amended in SSB 6330.  The double amendment appears to have been unintended, and would cause confusion.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 123 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6328.

     With the exception of section 123, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 6328 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor