VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1477-S2

                   May 14, 1999

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 807, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1477 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to school district organization;"

     Section 807 of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1477 would require the State Board of Education to adopt emergency rules to implement the changes made as a result of this bill.  This bill deals with complicated laws and processes, and was crafted with the extensive input and collaborative efforts of many individuals and groups throughout the education community.  Many parties, including the State Board, would prefer to continue that open and thoughtful process, with adequate opportunity for public input, while developing the rules necessary to implement this bill.  Emergency rules would provide inadequate time for valuable public input.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 807 of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1477.

     With the exception of section 807, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1477 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor