ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor

H.B. 6

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

(5) Prior to the payment of any funds under the provisions of this Act for the
purposes set forth in Section 1(3) above, the grantee shall provide and expend a
matching fund. No part of the grantee's matching fund may be provided, either
directly or indirectly, from funds of the State, whether appropriated or
unappropriated. No part of the fund may consist of real property, in kind
contributions, or funds expended prior to the effective date of this Act. In case of any
dispute as to the amount of the matching fund or what money or assets may qualify
as matching funds, the Board of Public Works shall determine the matter and the
Board's decision is final. The grantee has until June 1, [2003] 2005, to present
evidence satisfactory to the Board of Public Works that a matching fund will be
provided. If satisfactory evidence is presented, the Board shall certify this fact and
the amount of the matching fund to the State Treasurer, and the proceeds of the loan
equal to the amount of the matching fund shall be expended for the purposes provided
in this Act. Any amount of the loan in excess of the amount of the matching fund
certified by the Board of Public Works shall be canceled and be of no further effect.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October June 1, 2003.

May 22, 2003

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 6 - Alcohol- or Drug-Related Offenses - Prohibition on Driving
(John's Law).

This bill prohibits a person who is arrested for specified alcohol- or drug-related
driving offenses from driving a motor vehicle within 12 hours after arrest. The bill
provides for an assessment of points against an individual and criminal penalties for
a violation.

Senate Bill 383, 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 6.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

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