ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

Ch. 298

(5) make recommendations regarding necessary legislation to implement
the Task Force's recommendations.

(g) (1) The Task Force shall issue an interim report of its findings and
recommendations to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government
Article, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the
House Health and Government Operations Committee on or before December 1, 2004.

(2) The Task Force shall issue a final report on its findings and
recommendations to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government
Article, the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the
House Health and Government Operations Committee on or before December 1, 2005.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:

(a)     The Mental Hygiene Administration shall conduct or commission a study
on the relationship between substance abuse and mental illness among counties in
Maryland.

(b)     When appropriate, the study shall utilize existing resources and data
available from such entities as the Maryland Health Care Commission and the Task
Force to Study Increasing the Availability of Substance Abuse Treatment.

(c)      The Mental Hygiene Administration shall report to the Governor, the
Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, the Senate Education, Health, and
Environmental Affairs Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House
Health and Government Operations Committee on or before January 1, 2004, in
accordance with § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, on the findings and
recommendations of the study.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2003. It shall remain effective for a period of 2 years and 3 months and, at
the end of December 31, 2005, with no further action required by the General
Assembly, this Act shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect.

Approved May 13, 2003.

CHAPTER 298
(House Bill 438)

AN ACT concerning

Vessel Excise Tax - Liability - Corporations and Companies

FOR the purpose of providing that the personal liability for the vessel excise tax
extends to certain officers of corporations, individuals and members of limited
liability companies, and individuals and partners of limited liability
partnerships under certain circumstances; providing that the members of a
limited liability company and partners of a limited liability partnership may not

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