ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                           H.B. 196

TO THOSE PERSONS ENTITLED TO ITS POSSESSION AND TO THOSE LIENHOLDERS
WHOSE NAMES AND ADDRESSES CAN BE ASCERTAINED BY THE EXERCISE OF
REASONABLE DILIGENCE;

(2)     The property may be sold at public auction after a description of the
property and the time, place, and terms of the sale have been published in a
newspaper of general circulation in the county in each of 2 successive weeks;

(3)     The amount received from the sale of property in accordance with
this section shall be distributed in the following order of priority:

(i) To the sheriff, in an amount equal to the expense of the sale and
all expenses incurred while the property was in the sheriff's custody;

(ii) To lienholders in order of their priority; and

(iii) Subject to the provisions of item (4) of this subsection, to the
general fund of the county; and

(4)     At any time within 3 years from the date of the sale of the property,
any person submitting satisfactory proof of the person's right to the possession of the
property shall be paid, without interest, the amount distributed to the general fund
pursuant to item (3) of this subsection, and after the expiration of 3 years from the
date of the sale, any claims shall be absolutely barred.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 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 196 - Sexual Offenses - Reputation and Opinion Evidence and
Evidence of Prior Sexual Conduct - Admissibility.

The bill prohibits the introduction of evidence relating to a victim's reputation for
chastity or abstinence, and opinion evidence relating to a victim's chastity or
abstinence, in a prosecution for any rape, other sexual offense, correctional sexual
offense, sodomy, incest, sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult, or unnatural or
perverted sexual practice.

Senate Bill 453, 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 196.

Sincerely,

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