May18,2000

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 18 - Commercial Law - The Maryland Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

This bill provides that a record or signature may not be denied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form. The bill applies only to transactions in which each party has agreed to conduct transactions by electronic means. If a law requires a signature or record to be notarized, acknowledged, verified or made under oath, the bill recognizes the electronic signature of a person authorized to perform those acts for electronic signatures or records.

Senate Bill 3, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on April 25, 2000, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 18.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor