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 1043 - Consumer Protection - Hearing Aids - Cancellation.

This bill requires a seller of a hearing aid to bill fees for diagnostic tests separately from specified other charges. The bill also authorizes a seller of a hearing aid to deduct payments for diagnostic tests from a refund paid to a purchaser after cancellation of a hearing aid purchase and makes conforming changes to the unfair trade practice provisions used in enforcement. Senate Bill 576, 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 1043.

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