May 26, 2005

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 462 - Health Insurance - Treatment of Morbid Obesity.

This bill alters the duties of the Task Force to Study Utilization Review of the Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity. House Bill 462 also alters the date a report of the Task Force is provided to committees of the General Assembly, requires the Maryland Health Care Commission and the Maryland Insurance Administration to provide staffing for the Task Force, and requires the Maryland Insurance Administration to annually provide a report to committees of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 333, 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 462.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor