HB 2688-S.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Requires sellers of travel to register with the department of licensing and specifies the requirements and procedures for licensing.

     Establishes procedures for applications to register and for the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license.

     Requires licensees to maintain a surety bond and to place certain sums received from a customer in a trust fund.

     Regulates advertising practices.

     Establishes requirements for disclosure of information to a customer at the time of booking.

     Establishes procedures for cancellation of bookings and refund of money to the customer.

     Establishes enforcement and penalty provisions, including criminal penalties.

     Repeals RCW 19.138.020, 19.138.060, 19.138.070, and 19.138.080.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2688-S

                   April 1, 1994

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 7, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2688 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to sellers of travel;"

     Section 7 requires the Department of Licensing to examine various alternatives to indemnify travel consumers and to report its findings to the Legislature by December 1, 1994.  However, section 33 establishes an effective date for the bill of January 1, 1996, thereby defeating the possibility of completing the study within the time frame established in section 7.  Although I am vetoing section 7, I am directing the Department of Licensing to conduct the study and to report to the Legislature prior to the start of the next Legislative Session.

     With the exception of section 7, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2688 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Mike Lowry

                   Governor