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 857 - Consumer Protection - Enforcement Authority of Consumer Protection Division.

This bill alters the stipulations or conditions that the Division of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Attorney General may include in a written assurance of discontinuance, settlement agreement, or cease and desist order provided for under specified provisions of the Consumer Protection Act. The bill also requires the Division to consider specified criteria in determining the amount of security a violator or alleged violator of the Consumer Protection Act must post under specified circumstances. House Bill 507, 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 857.

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