May27,1999

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, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 444.

This bill includes private developers under the definition of a "water and sewer authority" if the duties and responsibilities of an authority have been delegated by a written agreement or in accordance with a local ordinance. These private developers are required to notify perspective property buyers of the estimated costs of any deferred water and sewer charges for which a purchaser may become liable in the property sale contract. If the water and sewer authority is negligent in notifying the initial purchaser of these charges, then the purchaser is entitled to recover damages from the seller of the property.

House Bill 673, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 27, 1999, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 444.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor