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 503 - Department of Juvenile Services Educational Programs - Private Residential Rehabilitative Institutions. This bill requires private residential rehabilitative institutions to develop and implement a specified educational program. The bill also requires a specified educational program to be approved by the State Department of Education before the program is implemented, and provides for the operating requirements of a private residential rehabilitative institution. House Bill 1148, 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 503.

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