HB 1477-S2.E - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Declares that it is the purpose of this act to:  (1) Incorporate into a single, comprehensive, school district organization law all essential provisions governing:

     (a) The formation and establishment of new school districts;

     (b) The alteration of the boundaries of existing districts; and

     (c) The adjustment of the assets and liabilities of school districts when changes are made under this chapter; and

     (2) establish methods and procedures whereby changes in the school district system may be brought about by the people concerned and affected.

     Declares that it is the state's policy that decisions on proposed changes in school district organization should be made, whenever possible, by negotiated agreement between the affected school districts.  If the districts cannot agree, the decision shall be made by the regional committees on school district organization, based on the committees' best judgment, taking into consideration the designated factors.

     Repeals RCW 28A.305.150.

     Repeals provisions of chapter 28A.315 RCW.

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