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 1320 - Maryland Spam Deterrence Act.

This bill prohibits a person from using specified protected computers to relay or retransmit commercial electronic mail messages with the intent to deceive or mislead recipients or an electronic mail service provider under specified circumstances; prohibits a person from materially falsifying header information in commercial electronic mail messages under specified circumstances; prohibits a person from registering for electronic mail accounts or domain names under specified circumstances; and provides for specified penalties and fines.

Senate Bill 604, 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 1320.

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