May18,2000

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 701 - Baltimore City - Abandoned Property - Statute of Limitations and Damages.

This bill provides that a lawsuit filed against Baltimore City for improper taking of abandoned property must be filed within three years from the date that a court vests title to the abandoned property in the city. The damages awarded to a person in such a case are limited to the fair market value of the abandoned property at the time of the taking. The bill also may not be applied to any case filed before the bill's October 1, 2000 effective date.

Senate Bill 532, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2000, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 701.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor