VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1652-S

May 4, 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. 1652 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to authorizing fire protection districts to establish or participate in health clinic services;"

This bill authorizes one additional fire protection district to operate a health clinic in Kitsap County. Section 2 of the bill directs the Department of Health to conduct a study to evaluate the merits of allowing fire protection districts to establish or participate in the provision of health care services. The study must consider the scope of services that might be provided, the interest among Washington's fire districts in providing these services, the need for having them do so, and the impact on health expenditures and potential government liability. Section 2 also includes the appointment of an advisory group to assist in the study and a final report by September 1, 2006. The Legislature did not, however, appropriate funds for the study.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 2 of Substitute House Bill No. 1652.

With the exception of Section 2, Substitute House Bill No. 1652 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor