April 4, 2002

To the Honorable President and Members,
The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning herewith, without my approval as to sections 1, 2, 5 and 6, Substitute House Bill No. 2366 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to funding and expenditures of the secretary of state;"

Current law authorizes the Office of the Secretary of State to accept private donations for its programs, subject to rules established by the Secretary and the appropriation process. I support those portions of this bill that clarify that donations received by the Secretary of State may be used to fund oral history and state archival activities.

However, neither the Constitution nor laws of the State of Washington assign the Secretary of State significant responsibilities in the area of international trade. It is neither necessary nor appropriate for the Secretary of State to solicit or accept donations, or maintain a dedicated account, for purposes of international trade hosting or missions. To expand the Secretary of State's authority to those areas, as opposed to cross-cultural or goodwill programs, would create potential for inconsistency and conflict with the Office of Trade and Economic Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Office of International Relations and Protocol, the International Trade Office and other state agencies that do not report to the Secretary.

For these reasons, I have vetoed sections 1, 2, 5 and 6 of Substitute House Bill No. 2366.

With the exception of sections 1, 2, 5 and 6, Substitute House Bill No. 2366 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary Locke
Governor