S.B. 153

VETOES

assistance, guidance, and expertise of appropriate State agencies. At the same time,
certain State standards applicable to other accommodations and facilities may not be
appropriate for small bed and breakfast operations. These are legitimate issues
requiring continued dialogue, analysis, and potential action.

I do not believe, however, that a State task force consisting of the representatives
included within Senate Bill 153 is necessary to be responsive to the concerns of the
bed and breakfast industry or for the welfare of consumers. The creation,
appointment, and conduct of task forces is a time-consuming process that drains time
and resources from State agencies already tasked with current responsibilities. Task
forces should be employed more sparingly than in current practice. Many problems
for which task forces are recommended can be resolved through the course of normal
dialogue among interested stakeholders and State representatives.

I urge all interested parties supportive of Senate Bill 153 wishing to address the
important concerns regarding the health regulations of bed and breakfast operators
to do so through continued dialogue and cooperation with State officials as a course of
normal business. Accordingly, I believe the creation of this task force is unnecessary.

For the above stated reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 153.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

Senate Bill No. 153

AN ACT concerning

Task Force to Study Health Regulations for Bed and Breakfast Operators

FOR the purpose of establishing a Task Force to Study Health Regulations for Bed
and Breakfast Operators; providing for the composition, chairman, and staff of
the Task Force; providing that the members of the Task Force may not receive
compensation, but may be reimbursed for certain expenses; providing for the
duties of the Task Force; requiring the Task Force to report to the Governor and
to the General Assembly by a certain date; providing for the termination of this
Act; and generally relating to the Task Force to Study Health Regulations for
Bed and Breakfast Operators.

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That:

(a)     There is a Task Force to Study Health Regulations for Bed and Breakfast
Operators.

(b)     The Task Force consists of the following members:

(1) two members of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President
of the Senate;

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