May 26, 2005

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 776 - Individuals with Developmental Disabilities - Additional Rights and Services.

This bill adds the right to be informed of specified service options to the list of basic rights to which an individual who receives services provided by the Developmental Disabilities Administration is entitled and requires the staff of an Administration licensee, at a specified time, to assess whether the needs of an individual with a developmental disability could be met in more integrated settings. House Bill 988, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 776.

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