May 16, 2002

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 173 - Judges' Retirement System - Death Benefits - Multiple Beneficiaries.

This bill allows a retiree of the Judges' Retirement System who has no spouse or minor children at the time of retirement and who elects to receive a reduced allowance, to designate multiple beneficiaries to receive a lump-sum payment of any remaining pension balance at the time of the retiree's death. The bill also creates a lump-sum death benefit that would be payable to the member's designated beneficiary or beneficiaries if the member dies prior to retirement and has no surviving spouse or minor children at the time of death.

Senate Bill 171, 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 173.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor