May 26, 2005

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, today I have vetoed House Bill 737 - Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Licenses and Eligibility for State Funding - Minimum Standards. This bill requires that the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene adopt regulations requiring that at least 75% of a specified body of licensees be composed of residents of the State or who reside within 100 miles of specified administrative offices. Moreover House Bill 737 requires that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene adopt regulations prohibiting specified individuals from serving on the governing body of specified licensees except under specified circumstances. Senate Bill 831, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 737.

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