Page 1401

This section requires the Department of Corrections to conduct a mental and physical health medical evaluation on incarcerated persons who have been in restrictive housing and provide a report by June 30, 2024. Funding provided for this purpose is insufficient to evaluate all of the individuals required, and it is unclear that the information gathered would be useful. We are making consistent investments to reduce the use of restrictive housing in Washington prisons and alleviate its known negative impacts. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 223(7)(b). Section 225(20), pages 360-361, Employment Security Department, Washington Cares Program The Employment Security Department and the Department of Social and Health Services collaborate on communications and outreach efforts of the Washington Cares program. The requirements in this section are redundant to the collaboration already occurring and required in RCW 50B.04.020(6). It is also unclear which agency has final approval authority on employer communications related to the program. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 225(20). However, I am directing the Employment Security Department to continue collaborating with the agencies involved in the Washington Cares program on external communications of the program to ensure consistent and agreed upon messaging is provided to employers and Washingtonians. Section 228(17), page 380, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, SSB 5672 This section provides funding for Substitute Senate Bill 5672 that did not pass the Legislature. For this reason, I have vetoed Section 228(17). Section 310(38), pages 446-447, Department of Natural Resources, Lease Approval Requirement This section requires the Department of Natural Resources to seek approval for nearly all new leases or existing lease renewals from the Board of Natural Resources (Board). This would require the Board to review and approve hundreds of state trust land, forestland, upland and aquatic land leases every month. The Board also does not have legal oversight of state aquatic lands and leases entered into by the department. In addition, the funding provided for this work is insufficient and would result in delays for the agency, the Board, and lessees, as well as a loss of revenue for trust beneficiaries and aquatic accounts that serve as a funding source for other agencies. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 310(38). Section 729, pages 630-631, Office of Financial Management, Lease Cost Pool The lease cost pool is an ineffective approach to managing lease costs and is redundant to the existing modified pre-design process that reviews space needs and budgets. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 729. Section 743, pages 635-638, Office of Financial Management, Office Space Use Reductions This section refers to outdated data for leases that have already been renewed. For this reason, I have vetoed Section 743. However, I am directing the Office of Financial Management, in collaboration with the Department of Enterprise Services, to identify expiring leased office space that can be reduced. Funds saved will be moved to reserve status. p. 1400 ESSB 5187.SL