Page 1399

Passed by the Senate April 23, 2023. Passed by the House April 23, 2023. Approved by the Governor May 16, 2023, with the exception of certain items that were vetoed. Filed in Office of Secretary of State May 17, 2023.

Note: Governor's explanation of partial veto is as follows: "I am returning herewith, without my approval as to Sections 124(5), 129(80), 129(92), 132(20), 147(7), 153(8), 202(26), 207(2), 207(3), 211(31), 223(5)(a), 223(6)(e), 223(7)(b), 225(20), 228(17), 310(38), 729, 743, 1220(4), page 1105, line 39, page 1106, line 1, 1517(47)(o), 1612(3), 1708, 119(3), 308(36), and 215(110), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5187 entitled: "AN ACT Relating to fiscal matters." Section 124(5), page 33, Office of the State Auditor, Special Education Performance Audit Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1436 (Section 2) directs the Office of the State Auditor to conduct a special education performance audit and access records as authorized representatives of the education authorities. I vetoed this section of ESHB 1436, and no audit will be conducted. Therefore, no funding is needed. For this reason, I have vetoed Section 124(5). Section 129(80), pages 73-74, Department of Commerce, Human Service Provider Contracts Work Group This section directs the Department of Commerce to convene a work group to examine expenses allowed in human service provider contracts in Washington state's local and state contracting processes. Because the funding in this proviso expires before the report is due and an inadequate amount was provided to complete this work, I have vetoed Section 129(80). Section 129(92), page 78, and Section 917, pages 663-665, Department of Commerce, Housing Supply and Affordability Task Force Section 917 creates a task force comprised of legislators, local elected officials, state agency representatives and stakeholders to identify strategies to increase the diversity and supply of affordable housing. This task force is co-chaired by legislators and will receive staff support from the Department of Commerce. As a legislative task force, staff support should be provided by legislative staff and not executive branch agency staff. In addition, the funding provided in Section 129(92) is insufficient to complete this work. For these reasons, I have vetoed both Sections 129(92) and 917. Section 132(20), pages 102-103, Department of Commerce and Utilities and Transportation Commission, Net Metering Work Group This section directs the Department of Commerce and the Utilities and Transportation Commission to convene a work group to study the future of net metering in Washington state. Because funding was not provided to do this work, I have vetoed Section 132(20). However, I am directing the department and the commission to request funding in the next budget to adequately support a work group for this purpose. Section 147(7), page 132, Utilities and Transportation Commission, Compensation Information p. 1398 ESSB 5187.SL