May 22, 2003

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed House Bill 49 - Vehicle Laws - Suspension of Driver's License - Theft of Motor Fuel.

This bill authorizes for a first offense and requires for a second or subsequent offense the Motor Vehicle Administration to suspend for 30 days the driver's license of a person who is convicted of theft for failure to pay for motor fuel after the motor fuel was dispensed into a vehicle. A court is required to notify the Motor Vehicle Administration of violations involving the theft of motor fuel.

Senate Bill 282, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 49.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor