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 666 - Criminal Law - Conversion of Leased or Rented Goods.

This bill repeals the requirement that a person be a bona fide resident of the State to qualify for: (1) a prohibition against prosecution for conversion of a leased or rented good or thing of value if the good or thing of value is returned or accounted for within ten days of a written demand for its return, sent via certified mail to the person's last known address; and (2) a ten-day delay in prosecution for conversion of a leased or rented good or thing of value (to provide the person with time to return or account for it) where the person has received such a written demand for return of the good or thing of value.

Senate Bill 460, 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 666.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor