HB 1798-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that, in order to increase efficiency, to reduce waste and duplication, to enable people to access social and health services, to provide a basic level of mobility, and to extend and improve transportation services to people with special transportation needs, the state shall implement the Program for Agency Coordinated Transportation.  The program will improve transportation efficiency and effectiveness to maximize the use of community resources so that more people can be served within available funding levels.

     Provides that the council may request, and may require as a condition of receiving coordination grants, selected county governments to convene local planning forums and invite participation of all entities, including tribal governments, that serve or transport persons with special transportation needs.  Counties are encouraged to coordinate and combine their forums and planning processes with other counties, as they find it appropriate.

     Extends the termination date for the council to June 30, 2007.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1798-S

                   May 18, 1999

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, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1798 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to coordination of special needs transportation;"

     Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1798 expands the duties of the Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation (ACCT) to include administering the program, managing grants, and providing assistance to local efforts.  It also directs ACCT to develop a process for working with local agencies.

     Section 4 of the bill relates to the composition of ACCT and voting status of its members.  While I applaud the participation of legislators on the Council, it is more appropriate to maintain the current statutory voting conditions.  The users and providers of these services are in the best position to determine the merits of various grant proposals.  The legislators already have a vote on these matters during their legislative deliberations.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 4 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1798.

     With the exception of section 4, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1798 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor