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 575 - Criminal Procedure - DNA - Postconviction Review and Felony Convictions.

This bill expands the definition of "law enforcement agency" to include additional agencies, clarifies the definition of "biological evidence", clarifies the definition of "scientific identification evidence", clarifies under what circumstances a court may order DNA testing, requires a court to make specified orders to specified law enforcement agencies when it orders DNA testing, and authorizes a court to make specified orders regarding DNA testing when it orders DNA testing.

Senate Bill 363, 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 575.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor