May27,1999

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 217.

This bill specifies that a law enforcement officer, found guilty by an administrative hearing board for an act or omission, may not be indemnified for a judgement for punitive damages by a local government if the act or omission would constitute a felony under State law. Under current law, a local government may not indemnify an officer for punitive damages if the officer has been found guilty of any act or omission by an administrative hearing board.

Senate Bill 380, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on April 27, 1999, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 217.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor