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 686 - State Treasury - Undeliverable Checks Fund.

This bill removes a specified limit on the reissuance of undeliverable checks, and clarifies when an undeliverable check may be returned to its source or transferred to other accounts. This reduces the time period for retaining specified money in the Undeliverable Checks Fund, and clarifies the circumstances under which the money in the Fund may be transferred to the General Fund. It provides that undeliverable checks credited to the Fund are not subject to specified statutes regarding abandoned property.

Senate Bill 431, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 686.

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