VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1619-S

                   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 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1619 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to foster parents;"

     Substitute House Bill No. 1619 requires the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to reimburse foster parents for the replacement value of property damaged or destroyed by foster children in their care.  It requires DSHS to develop rules regarding the maximum amount that may be reimbursed for each occurrence.

     Section 4 of the bill would have required the program to begin by July 1, 1999.  Unfortunately, there is not adequate time between now and July 1, 1999 for DSHS to make the rules necessary to implement this legislation.

     For these reasons I have vetoed section 4 of Substitute House Bill No. 1619.

     With the exception of section 4, Substitute House Bill No. 1619 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor