May 16, 2002

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 465 - State Board of Morticians - Sunset Extension and Program Evaluation.

This bill extends the sunset date for the State Board of Morticians (SBM) from July 1, 2002 to July 1, 2008 and requires another sunset evaluation on or before July 1, 2007. The bill provides that inspections of funeral establishments may take place at any time without notice from SBM. Unannounced inspections may include advance notice that an investigator may be in the region of a funeral establishment if the advance notice is no more than 14 days prior to the inspection, no specific date or time is provided, and the purpose of the advance notice is only to ensure that a licensed mortician will be on site for the inspection.

Senate Bill 420, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 465.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor