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 720 - Crimes - Internet Child Pornography - Removal.

This bill requires an investigative or law enforcement officer who receives information that an item of alleged child pornography resides on a server or other storage device controlled or owned by an interactive computer service provider to contact the provider and request the provider's voluntary compliance in removing the item within a specified period of time; requiring the officer to apply for a court order if the provider does not voluntarily remove the item.

House Bill 1208, 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 Senate Bill 720.

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