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 463 - Prince George's County - Criminal Procedure - Probation Before Judgment PG 308-03.

This bill includes Prince George's County as a county in which the court is authorized to impose a sentence of imprisonment as a condition of probation before judgment.

Senate Bill 428, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Senate Bill 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 463.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor