VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1270

May 10, 2005

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 4, House Bill No. 1270 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to suspending a retirement allowance upon reemployment."

This bill allows members of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Retirement System Plan 2 (LEOFF 2) to work at another state job and either earn pension credit at the new job while their original pension credits are suspended, or to continue receiving their old pension but not earn pension credit in the new system. Because law enforcement officers and fire fighters can retire earlier under the LEOFF 2 than in other pension plans, and move to another profession, this bill allows them important pension and professional flexibility.

I am vetoing Section 4 of this bill, the emergency clause, as the issues addressed in this important legislation do not rise to the level an emergency that requires the immediate revision of state laws.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 4 of House Bill No. 1270.

With the exception of Section 4, House Bill No. 1270 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor