2002 Signature 2002 Veto 2002 No Action 2001 Veto 2001 No Action 2000 Signature 2000 Veto 2000 No Action 1999 Signature 1999 Veto 1998 Signature 1998 Veto 1998 No Action 1997 Signature 1997 Veto 1996 Signature 1996 Veto 1995 Signature 1995 Veto 1995 No Action		June 25, 2002 TO THE HONORABLE, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: In accordance with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws § 43-1-4, I am transmitting herewith with my disapproval, 2002-H 7004, as amended, "An Act Relating to Motor and Other Vehicles." This bill amends the definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" to include "canteen trucks," which are defined as vehicles designed to dispense meals and drinks to emergency personnel at fires or state of emergency situations. While the intent of this legislation appears to be to allow canteen trucks access to emergency situations, to include these vehicles in the definition of "authorized emergency vehicles" would allow them to exceed the speed limit and run red lights and stop signs. Presently, only fire, police, bomb squad vehicles, and ambulances have authorized emergency status. Canteen trucks provide support for the emergency fire and rescue workers who are already at the scene of an emergency. Authorizing them to avoid traffic laws would impose an unnecessary risk to the public. I appreciate the intent of the bill and concur with its goal. I encourage its sponsors to introduce a bill next year that would allow access to emergency sites for canteen trucks without giving them the rights of other "authorized emergency vehicles" to disregard traffic laws. For the foregoing reasons, I disapprove of this legislation and respectfully urge your support of this veto. Sincerely, Lincoln Almond Governor