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 1087 - Baltimore City - Extinguishment of Ground Rents.

This bill provides that the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City, after condemning property that is subject to an irredeemable ground rent, shall become the tenant of the ground rent and authorizing the City to apply as tenant to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation to extinguish the ground rent; requiring a tenant seeking to extinguish a ground rent to give notice to the landlord and to make an application and pay specified fees to the Department; providing that a landlord is entitled to receive a specified amount on appeal.

Senate Bill 748, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 26, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 1087.

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