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 653 - Institutions of Higher Education - Students - Vaccination for Meningococcal Disease.

This bill requires an individual enrolled in an institution of higher education and who resides in on-campus student housing be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. An individual is exempt from the vaccination requirement if the individual, or the individual's parent or guardian, in the case of a minor, signs a waiver after having been provided with detailed information about the disease and the vaccine by the institution.

House Bill 227, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me today, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 653.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor