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 454 - Vehicle Laws - Dealer Processing and Freight Charges.

This bill increases from $25 to $100 the maximum vehicle dealer processing charge for a vehicle sale, expands the scope of a dealer processing charge to include retaining specified documentation and complying with federal and State privacy laws by the dealer, requires a dealer processing charge to be reasonable and to reflect expenses generally incurred, and requires a dealer, on request, to provide a written disclosure of services included in a dealer processing charge.

Senate Bill 438, 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 454.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor