VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1252

May 16, 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 123 Engrossed House Bill No. 1252 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the recodification of Title 79 RCW and related public land statutes;"

This bill reorganizes the statutes governing the Department of Natural Resources' management of state uplands.

Section 123 amends RCW 43.30.310 as did Senate Bill No. 5758, which I signed on April 22, 2003. While the amendments in both bills are strictly technical in nature, they create a double amendment that cannot be merged. Therefore, to avoid confusion, I have vetoed section 123.

For these reasons, I have vetoed section 123 of Engrossed House Bill No. 1252.

With the exception of section 123, Engrossed House Bill No. 1252 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor