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 1283 - Public Records - Trade Secrets and Confidential Information - Public Institutions of Higher Education. This bill authorizes a custodian to deny inspection of a part of a public record that contains information disclosing or relating to a trade secret, confidential commercial information, or confidential financial information owned in whole or in part by a public institution of higher education if the information is part of specified activities. Senate Bill 487, 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 1283.

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