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 500 - Anne Arundel County - Pretrial Release, Work Release, and Related Programs - Eligibility and Fees.

This bill alters the types of payments that the Administrator of the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities may deduct from earnings of specified participants in specified programs and authorizes the Administrator to deduct specified fees from the earnings of specified participants in specified work release programs. It further authorizes the Administrator to collect, waive, or reduce specified fees and to establish a specified pretrial release program and adopt specified regulations.

House Bill 553, 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 500.

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