May 26, 2004

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, I have today vetoed House Bill 457 - Criminal Procedure - Identity Theft - Venue for Prosecution.

This bill authorizes a State's Attorney or the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute offenses relating to personal identifying information fraud. It also authorizes the Attorney General to exercise all the powers and duties of a State's Attorney to investigate and prosecute specified violations, and establishes that a prosecution for a violation of specified offenses relating to personal identifying information fraud or other crimes based on a violation may be commenced in a county in which an element of the crime occurred or in which the victim resides.

Senate Bill 257, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on April 27, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 457.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor