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 736 - Workers' Compensation - Occupational Disease - Baltimore City Deputy Sheriffs.

This bill extends the presumption of a compensable occupational disease under the workers' compensation law to include Baltimore City deputy sheriffs who suffer from heart disease or hypertension resulting in partial or total disability or death under specified circumstances. The bill also requires that workers' compensation benefits received under the Act are considered to be in addition to specified retirement benefits, subject to a specified adjustment. Additionally, the bill requires specified Baltimore City deputy sheriffs to submit specified medical reports.

Senate Bill 633, 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 736.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor