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 949.

This bill clarifies that prosecution of a person for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle does not preclude prosecution of that person for theft of a motor vehicle. The bill also provides that if a person is convicted of both theft and the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle for the same act or transaction, the conviction for unlawful taking must merge for sentencing purposes into the conviction for theft.

Senate Bill 382, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 13, 1999, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 949.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor