April 8, 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 JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL 473, as amended, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation requires the New Mexico Department of Health to develop and enforce wheelchair safety training guidelines for licensed health facilities statewide. While the intent of this legislation may be laudable, the burden it places on our states health care facilities and on the department is onerous."

            Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor