May 26, 2005

The Honorable Michael E. Busch
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, today I have vetoed House Bill 1059 - Criminal Procedure - Search and Seizure Warrants - Sealed Affidavit.

This bill repeals a limitation on the applicability of provisions authorizing a court to order that an affidavit presented in support of a search and seizure warrant be sealed. It also authorizes a court to grant one 30-day extension of the time that an affidavit presented in support of a search and seizure warrant is to remain sealed under specified circumstances. Senate Bill 475, 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 1059.

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