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 347 - Drunk and Drugged Driving - Conditions of Probation.

This bill requires a court that suspends a sentence or stays a judgment of conviction and places a defendant on probation for alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses to require participation in treatment programs, requires the imposition of probation if a judgment of conviction is stayed for alcohol- or drug- related driving offenses, and authorizes a court to prohibit a defendant from operating a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock system.

Senate Bill 427, 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 347.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor