| SB 5320-S - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Provides that, in establishing an office of public guardianship, the legislature intends to promote the availability of guardianship services for individuals who need them and for whom adequate services may otherwise be unavailable. |
Reaffirms its commitment to treat liberty and autonomy as paramount values for all Washington residents and to authorize public guardianship only to the minimum extent necessary to provide for health or safety, or to manage financial affairs, when the legal conditions for appointment of a guardian are met. |
Does not intend to alter those legal conditions or to expand judicial authority to determine that any individual is incapacitated. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON SSB 5320 |
| May 8, 2007 |
| 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 5, Substitute Senate Bill 5320 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to creating an office of public guardianship as an independent agency of the judiciary." |
| I am a strong proponent of government management accountability and performance. To this extent, I believe we must be judicious in the creation of new boards and commissions. This bill calls for the creation of a 17 member advisory committee to the new Office of Public Guardianship. |
| The creation of the Office of Public Guardianship does not necessitate creating a 17 member Advisory Committee. The Office is created within the Administrative Offices of the Courts and the director is selected by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Supreme Court. These entities are capable of providing adequate oversight of the Office and performing the duties outlined in the bill for the advisory committee. |
| For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 5 of Substitute Senate Bill 5320. |
| With the exception of Section 5, Substitute Senate Bill 5320 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine O. Gregoire |
| Governor |