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 714 - Developmental Disability - Written Plan of Habilitation - State Residential Centers.

This bill requires specified individuals to develop a written plan of habilitation for individuals in State residential centers and for the Developmental Disabilities Administration to develop a specified protocol and format for these plans to be used by each State residential center. SB 714 also states that treating professionals and resource coordinators must discuss service needs with individuals in a State residential center on an annual basis and on request of the individual. House Bill 794, 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 714.

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