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 1425 - Underground Facilities - Owner-Contractor Information Exchange System.

This bill requires the operator of a one-call system to install, and make available to any caller at all times, an "owner-contractor information exchange system." An owner-contractor information exchange system is an automated voice response unit for the purpose of identifying the location of underground utility equipment. The bill also requires that a one-call system provide a toll-free number for persons to call and notify owner-members of underground facilities of a planned excavation or demolition and maintain an owner-contractor information exchange system.

Senate Bill 879, 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 1425.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor