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 551 - Insurance - Premium Financing - Electronic Payment Fee.

This bill requires a premium finance agreement to include a specified disclosure, which authorizes a premium finance agreement to require the insured to pay an electronic payment fee, if the insured elects to pay the premium finance company by means of an electronic payment, and limits the amount to be charged as an electronic payment fee to $8.

House Bill 941, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on April 27, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 551.

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