May 26, 2004

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 416 - Procurement - Board of Contract Appeals - Jurisdiction over State Claims.

This bill authorizes an interested party to appeal a final action on a procurement contract claim made by a State agency to the State Board of Contract Appeals. It alters the jurisdiction of the Appeals Board, and clarifies that specified claims procedures for a procurement contract apply only to a claim by a contractor. It also authorizes the award of interest to a State agency under a procurement contract claim.

House Bill 767, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 416.

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