May 26, 2005

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, today I have vetoed Senate Bill 249 - Maryland Tobacco Authority - Sunset Extension and Program Evaluation.

This bill continues the Maryland Tobacco Authority in accordance with the Maryland Program Evaluation Act (Sunset Law) by extending the sunset to July 1, 2011. It alters the number of members of the Authority, the membership criteria, and the process for nominating members and repeals authority for the compensation for specified members of the Authority. Finally, the bill repeals a requirement that the Authority conduct specified studies and investigations.

House Bill 285, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 249.

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