May 22, 2003

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House of Delegates
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 204 - Howard County - Probation After Judgment - Imprisonment Ho. Co. 5-03.

This bill includes Howard County as a county in which the court is authorized to impose a sentence of imprisonment as a condition of probation after judgment.

Senate Bill 428, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. SB 428 is a broader bill and extends statewide the authority of a court to impose a sentence of imprisonment as a condition of a suspended sentence, probation before judgment, and probation after judgment. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 204.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor