April 9, 1999

The Honorable Manny M. Aragon and

Members of the Senate

Executive-Legislative Building

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87503

Honorable President and Members of the Senate:

I have this day VETOED and am returning SENATE BILL 695, as amended, with certificate of correction, enacted by the Forty-Fourth Legislature, First Session, 1999.

This legislation creates two standards for adoption removing the requirement that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent the interests of the child. It is not burdensome to have a guardian ad litem appointed in open adoptions, and such appointment provides a necessary function in the representation of the interests of the child who is being adopted.

Sincerely,

Gary E. Johnson

Governor