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 1053 - DNA Testing - Felony Convictions - DNA Technology Fund - Preservation of Scientific Identification Evidence.

This bill expands the list of persons required to submit a DNA sample to the State's DNA repository from persons convicted of specified "qualifying crimes of violence" to any person convicted of a felony, fourth degree burglary or breaking and entering motor vehicle crime. This bill is contingent on the Department of State Police receiving a binding written award of a private or federal grant of at least $1,500,000 by September 1, 2002 to implement the bill's provisions from October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003.

Senate Bill 486, 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 1053.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor