VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2519

                   March 24, 2000

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 4, House Bill No. 2519 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to simplifying the excise tax code through revising terminology, correcting mistakes, streamlining procedures, and deleting obsolete provisions;"

     Section 4 of this bill contained the same language as section 5 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6467.  Accordingly, I have vetoed section 4 to avoid double amendment of the statute.

     For this reason, I have vetoed section 4 of House Bill No. 2519.

     With the exception of section 4, House Bill No. 2519 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor