May 26, 2005

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, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 280 - Consumer Protection - Privacy of Social Security Numbers.

This bill prohibits the public posting or displaying of an individual's Social Security number under specified circumstances, prohibits the printing of an individual's Social Security number on specified cards under specified circumstances, and prohibits a person from requiring an individual to transmit the individual's Social Security number over the Internet under specified circumstances. The bill also prohibits a person from initiating the transmission of an individual's Social Security number over the Internet under specified circumstances. Violation of this act constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade practice under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.

House Bill 56, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 280.

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