May 22, 2003

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed House Bill 18 - District Court - Small Claim Actions.

The bill increases the maximum amount of a small claim, over which the District Court of Maryland has exclusive jurisdiction, from $2,500 to $5,000. The bill also increases, from $2,500 to $5,000, the amount in controversy: (1) above which the District Court and circuit courts have concurrent jurisdiction in civil cases; and (2) for which an appeal in a civil case from the District Court must be based on the District Court record. The bill also increases from $1,000 to $2,500 the amount in controversy in a civil action in which there are no formal pleadings.

Senate Bill 4, 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 18.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor