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 921 - Real Property - Abatement of Nuisances on Property Used for Controlled Dangerous Substance Offenses. This bill specifies the persons against whom an action may be brought to abate a nuisance on property used for controlled dangerous substance offenses and clarifies that a plaintiff is entitled to equitable relief in an action to abate a drug-related nuisance whether or not an adequate remedy exists at law. The bill also authorizes a court, if a tenant fails to comply with an order to abate a drug-related nuisance, to order restitution of possession of the property to the operator of the property. Senate Bill 674, 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 921.

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