| SB 6555-S - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Directs the municipal research council to contract for the provision of research and services to special purpose districts. A contract shall be made with a state agency, educational institution, or private consulting firm, that in the judgment of council members is qualified to provide such research and services. |
Declares that research and services to special purpose districts shall consist of: (1) Studying and researching issues relating to special purpose district government; |
(2) Furnishing legal, technical, consultative, and field services to special purpose districts concerning issues relating to special purpose district government; and |
(3) Acquiring, preparing, and distributing publications related to special purpose districts. |
Requires that the activities, programs, and services of the municipal research council to special purpose districts shall be carried on in cooperation with the associations representing the various special purpose districts. Services to special purpose districts shall be based upon the moneys appropriated to the municipal research council from the special purpose district research services account under this act. |
Provides that, by June 30, 2010, the municipal research council shall prepare a report on services provided to special purpose districts under this act, and shall provide this report to the joint legislative audit and review committee. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON SSB 6555 |
| March 29, 2006 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to research and services for special purpose districts." |
| This bill would allow the Municipal Research Council (MRC) to contract for the provision of research and services to special purpose districts. Funding for these services would be provided through a change in the distribution of Liquor Revolving Fund revenues. |
| The MRC currently provides its services to cities and counties. Those services are funded with revenues from the Liquor Revolving Fund and Liquor Excise Tax Account, revenues that would otherwise be distributed to cities and counties on a formula basis. While the technical assistance provided by MRC may be of value, SSB No. 6555 would set a precedent by redirecting funds, that would otherwise go to the state General Fund, for the benefit of a special purpose district. |
| Therefore, I have decided to veto Section 3 of this bill, which establishes the transfer of those funds. Sections 1 and 2 concern the authority for special purpose districts to use the MRC, and the creation of the new account should the legislature choose to appropriate funds for it. Section 4 requires a MRC report to Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee in 2010. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 3 of Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555. |
| With the exception of Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 6555 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |