ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                           H.B. 148

would be subject to this Act if the document of title had been issued or bailment had
arisen on or after the effective date of this Act; and

(3) does not apply to a right of action that has accrued before the
effective date of this Act.

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That a document of title issued
or a bailment that arose before the effective date of this Act and the rights,
obligations, and interests flowing from that document or bailment are governed by
any statute or other rule amended or repealed by this Act as if the amendment or
repeal had not occurred and may be terminated, completed, consummated, or
enforced under that statute or other rule.

SECTION 5. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2004.

May 26, 2004

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, I have today
vetoed House Bill 148 — Judges' Retirement System - Death Benefits - Surviving
Spouses.

This bill removes the age restriction for a surviving spouse to receive the death
benefit, of a former member or retiree, of the Judges' Retirement System.

Senate Bill 78, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May
11, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign
House Bill 148.

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

House Bill No. 148

AN ACT concerning

Judges' Retirement System - Death Benefits - Surviving Spouses

FOR the purpose of removing the age restriction for a surviving spouse to receive the
death benefit of a former member or retiree of the Judges' Retirement System;
and generally relating to death benefits for surviving spouses of former
members or retirees of the Judges' Retirement System.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

- 2957 -