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 1468 - Bed and Breakfast Establishments - Food Service - Regulation.

This bill exempts specified bed and breakfast establishments from Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and local government regulations relating to the required use of commercial grade kitchen equipment. It requires bed and breakfast establishments that intend to serve a hot meal to renters, to be licensed as food establishments, providing that bed and breakfast establishments that intend to serve a hot meal to renters are subject to State and local health regulations that govern food safety and contamination.

Senate Bill 839, 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 1468.

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