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 704 - Licensed Out-of-State Certified Public Accountants - Authority to Practice Certified Public Accountancy. This bill authorizes a certified public accountant licensed in another state to practice certified public accountancy in Maryland after providing specified notification to the Board and consenting to the regulatory authority of the Board. The bill also authorizes a certified public accountant to represent to the public that the certified public accountant is authorized to practice certified public accountancy in the State and provides for the expiration date of a specified individual's right to practice certified public accountancy in Maryland. House Bill 977, 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 704.

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