VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1003-S2

May 20, 2003

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 3, Second Substitute House Bill No. 1003 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to investing in technology and biotechnical research and technology transfer;"

This bill establishes the Investing in Innovation Grants Program, which will enable the state to make investments in research and technology that will create jobs and business opportunities.

Section 3 of the bill would have created an account to be spent directly by the Washington Technology Center, which is a private non-profit organization, not a state agency. Since the Washington State Constitution provides that only public agencies may spend funds directly from a state account, I have vetoed section 3.

For this reason, I have vetoed section 3 of Second Substitute House Bill No. 1003.

With the exception of section 3, Second Substitute House Bill No. 1003 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor