VETO MESSAGE ON SB 6358-S2

March 26, 2004

To the Honorable President and Members,

The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to section 1, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6358 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to improved collaboration regarding offenders with treatment orders;"

This bill requires more comprehensive and effective communication between correctional authorities and treatment providers regarding people who are subject to both correctional supervision, based on criminal charges or convictions, and civil commitment, based on mental illness or chemical dependency.

Section 1 of this bill contained language that may have given an inaccurate view of the current environment, knowledge of state and local agencies, and procedures followed. Taken out of context, this language could have been misunderstood and used to indicate an admission of liability when none exists. To avoid these unintended consequences and the inadvertent misuse of this language, I have vetoed section 1.

For these reasons, I have vetoed section 1 of Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6358.

With the exception of section 1, Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 6358 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke

Governor