May17,2001

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 1223 - Workers' Compensation Insurers and Self-Insurers - Office and Personnel Requirements.

This bill requires an employer who self-insures or an insurer that provides workers' compensation insurance to have in the State competent individuals who: (1) handle and adjust each disputed workers' compensation claim in the State; and (2) have the knowledge and experience to handle and adjust each disputed claim. This bill also requires the State Workers' Compensation Commission to report on or before November 30, 2002 to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee on the number and types of complaints the Commission has received from October 1, 2001 through November 1, 2002 and the status of the complaints, the number and types of violation that the Commission has identified from October 1, 2001 through November 1, 2002 and the status of those violations and any recommendation for changes to the law.

Senate Bill 592, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 1223.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor