VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2556-S

March 22, 2004

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 1, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2556 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to studying criminal background check processes;"

This bill creates a joint task force to study criminal background check policies and procedures and make recommendations to improve those systems and increase public safety.

Section 1 was an introductory section that was not necessary to support the creation or work of the joint task force. It would have given an inaccurate view of the current criminal history record information background check data transmission infrastructure and process. Taken out of context, this language could have been misunderstood and used to indicate an admission of liability when none exists. To avoid the inadvertent misuse of this language, I have vetoed section 1.

For these reasons, I have vetoed section 1 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2556.

With the exception of section 1, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2556 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor