May 16, 2002

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 297 - State Government - Access to Public Records - Public Security Documents.

This emergency Administration bill authorizes a custodian of a public record to deny inspection of: (1) specified response procedures or plans prepared to prevent or respond to emergency situations; (2) specified building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, diagrams, operational manuals or records of other buildings or structures operated by the State or any of its political subdivisions; or (3) specified records prepared to prevent or respond to emergency situations. The custodian may deny inspection of a part of such a public record only to the extent that the inspection would: (1) jeopardize the security of a structure owned or operated by the State or any of its political subdivisions; (2) facilitate the planning of a terrorist attack; or (3) endanger the life or physical safety of an individual.

The bill requires the Attorney General to review the changes made by the bill and to submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2007 on the continued necessity of the bill and any recommendations for changing or modifying the bill.

Senate Bill 240, 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 297.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor