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 117 - Banking Institutions - Truncated Accounts.

This bill repeals provisions of law requiring banking institutions offering truncated checking accounts to also offer customers a specified checking account plan and to provide specified information to a customer opening a truncated checking account; and requires a banking institution that returns check facsimiles instead of original checks to a customer who has requested the return of a check for specified purposes to return to the customer, on the customer's request, check facsimiles at no additional cost to the customer.

Senate Bill 160, 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 117.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor