VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1463-S

May 11, 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 2, Substitute House Bill No. 1463 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to meningococcal immunization."

This bill requires that public and private schools provide parents or guardians of students in 6th grade and above with information on meningococcal disease every school year. It is an important bill that is consistent with our ongoing public health efforts.

Section 2 of the bill inserts an emergency clause that is not necessary for this type of legislation. It is reasonable to give the Department of Health and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction time over the summer to develop the informational materials that will be distributed in schools.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 2 of Substitute House Bill No. 1463.

With the exception of sections Section 2, Substitute House Bill No. 1463 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor