May 22, 2003

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 42 - Circuit Courts - Military Discharge Papers - Limitations on Inspections and Certified Copies.

This bill prohibits a clerk of a circuit court from allowing anyone to view or obtain a certified copy of military discharge papers filed with the clerk's office, or to examine the index to these records, except: (1) the person who is the subject of the papers, the person's designee, or, if the person has a legal disability, the person's parent or legal guardian; (2) a party or party's attorney who presents satisfactory evidence that the records are to be used in a court or administrative proceeding; (3) in accordance with a court order or subpoena; or (4) for good cause shown, to a relative if the request is made at least 70 years after the papers were filed.

House Bill 733, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 42.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor