March 17, 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 380 enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation would remove the Board of Pharmacy from the control and supervision of the Regulation and Licensing Department. This administration is supportive of privatizing the functions of boards and commissions. We believe privatization will lead to greater flexibility for the individual boards and commissions and reduced administrative burden on Regulation and Licensing Department. This bill has the opposite effect by creating a new state agency without any measurable benefit.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor