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 1225 - Juvenile Causes - Child in Need of Assistance - Court Hearings and Findings.

This bill requires a juvenile court in a child in need of assistance hearing to make a finding whether a local department of social services made reasonable efforts to prevent placement of the child into the local department's custody. The bill also requires the court in specified review hearings to make a finding whether the local department made reasonable efforts to finalize the child's permanency plan and meet the child's needs and requires the court to consider specified factors in making a finding. Senate Bill 696, 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 1225.

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