May 22, 2003

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 140 - Courts - Subsequent Injury Fund - Effect of Impleading in Workers' Compensation Appeal.

This bill requires that if the Subsequent Injury Fund (SIF) if impleaded in a Workers' Compensation Commission (WCC) claim on appeal before a circuit court or the Court of Special Appeals, as to an impleader filed at least 60 days before the scheduled trial or hearing, the court must suspend further proceedings and remand the case to WCC for further proceedings to give SIF an opportunity to defend against the claim. As to an impleader filed at any other time, the court may for good cause shown suspend further proceedings and remand the case to WCC for further proceedings.

House Bill 122, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 140.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor