May 26, 2004

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 4 - Regulation and Acquisition of Nonprofit Health Entities.

This bill extends the statute of limitations to 3 years for specified criminal violations under the Insurance Article. It alters the purpose of provisions of law, relating to nonprofit health service plans, and alters specified provisions of law relating to the regulation and acquisition of nonprofit health entities. It also alters the mission of a nonprofit health service plan, and requires board members of a nonprofit health service plan to act in a specified manner in furtherance of the mission of a nonprofit health service plan.

House Bill 341, 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 Senate Bill 4.

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