| VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 2777 |
| April 1, 2010 |
| 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 202, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2777 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to modifying domestic violence provisions." |
| This bill makes a number of changes to the laws relating to domestic violence. Section 202 adds a new section to chapter 36.28A RCW. This section provides that "[w]hen funded" the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall convene a work group to develop a model policy regarding the reporting of domestic violence to law enforcement in cases where the victim is unable or unwilling to make a report in the jurisdiction where the alleged crime occurred. The Legislature has not provided funding for this work group. Rather than leave an inoperable section in statute, I have vetoed Section 202. If the Legislature makes funds available for this purpose in the future, the tasks and directions to the work group may be included in an appropriations bill. |
| For this reason, I have vetoed Section 202 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2777. |
| With the exception of Section 202, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2777 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |