May18,2000

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, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 200 - Crimes - Computer Piracy.

This bill enhances the penalties for computer hacking and other computer intrusion crimes for persons who intentionally access a computer or computer network to cause a malfunction, interrupt the operation or alter, damage or destroy data or programs, and the damage caused is $10,000 or greater. The bill changes the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony and increases the maximum punishment from 5 years to 10 years in prison.

House Bill 278, 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 Senate Bill 200.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor