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 1258 - Natural Resources - Special Funds and Accounts - Administrative Costs.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Natural Resources to use money in specified funds or accounts under the Department for administrative expenses related to the fund or account based on a generally accepted methodology for determining indirect costs and requires the Secretary to submit any changes to the indirect costs methodology for review and comment to the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee within 45 days before implementing the methodology.

Senate Bill 640, 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 1258.

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