May 15, 2002

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 625 - Vehicle Laws - Uninsured Motorist Penalties - Distribution of Fees.

Senate Bill 625 provides that the Vehicle Theft Prevention Fund shall receive $2,180,000 annually from uninsured motorist penalties collected by the State. Under the provisions of Senate Bill 323, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2002, the General Assembly also dedicated $2,000,000 in uninsured motorist penalty fees for the Vehicle Theft Prevention Fund. I will sign Senate Bill 323 into law on May 16, 2002. The net effect of Senate Bill 625, therefore, is to increase funding for the Vehicle Theft Prevention Fund by $180,000. The intent of this legislation is to replace the $180,000 in salvage vehicle inspection fee revenues that would have been taken from the Vehicle Theft Prevention Fund under the provisions of House Bill 471. Since I am vetoing that legislation today, there is no need to sign Senate Bill 625 into law.

For the above reason, I have vetoed Senate Bill 625.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor