April 9, 1999

The Honorable Raymond G. Sanchez and

Members of the House of Representatives

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable Speaker and Members of the House:

I have this day VETOED and am returning HOUSE BILL 32, as amended,

enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would create an exception to the liability a car dealer has when selling a damaged automobile. This exception would take effect if a dealer unknowingly sold a damaged used car and this damage had not been disclosed by the previous owner. While I understand the intent of this legislation and the protections sought by the proponents especially in light of our ever growing litigious society, I believe this exception would shift the responsibility of proper inspection and quality assurance from the auto dealer to the consumer. Clearly, the auto dealer is better equipped to handle this task and assure the quality of their product.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor