May 16, 2002

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, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 236 - Agriculture - Infectious and Contagious Diseases - Administrative Search Warrants.

This emergency Administration bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, or the Secretary's designee, to apply to a judge for an administrative search warrant to make a lawful inspection to determine compliance with the laws relating to regulation and prevention of infectious and contagious livestock and poultry diseases. The bill establishes procedures for filing and executing the search warrant, requirements for the contents of the warrant and requisite conditions for a judge to issue the warrant. The bill provides that any information obtained pursuant to the warrant must be considered confidential and may not be disclosed except to the extent it is used in an administrative or judicial proceeding.

House Bill 304, 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 236.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor