| VETO MESSAGE ON ESHB 1017 |
| April 26, 2017 |
| 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 1, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1017 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to the siting of schools and school facilities." |
| Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1017 seeks to address the important and complicated subject of siting schools outside of Urban Growth Areas. While this bill adequately addresses many aspects of the issue, I remained concerned about three items that I would like to resolve with the legislature during the special session. |
| First, any extension of urban services to serve a rural school must be limited to the size and scale needed to support the long-term needs of the school. Second, the land surrounding a new rural school must maintain its rural character and housing density as specified in RCW 36.70A.070(5). Finally, in order for schools to be sited outside the Urban Growth Boundary Line, school districts must demonstrate that there is no suitable land available within the Urban Growth Area. |
| For these reasons I have vetoed Section 1 of Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1017. |
| With the exception of Section 1, Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1017 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Jay Inslee |
| Governor |