VETO MESSAGE ON HB 2637-S2

                   March 24, 2000

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 3, Second Substitute House Bill No. 2637 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to background checks on persons in contact with vulnerable adults;"

     This bill expands the requirements for criminal background checks for people who provide care or have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.  This bill gives the Department of Social and Health Services some additional tools to ensure the safety of some of our most vulnerable citizens.

     Section 3 would have eliminated a current requirement that DSHS maintain a registry of personal care aides against whom there have been substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment of a vulnerable adult.  This registry was established only last year, and its elimination would be a step backwards in assuring quality care and safety for people with disabilities.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed section 3 of Second Substitute House Bill No. 2637.

     With the exception of section 3, Second Substitute House Bill No. 2637 is approved.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor