ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                           H.B. 578

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 578 - Criminal Law - Carjacking - Possessor of Motor Vehicle.

This bill establishes that it is not a defense to the crimes of carjacking or armed
carjacking for a defendant to not intend to permanently deprive the possessor of a
motor vehicle of the possession of the motor vehicle.

Senate Bill 203, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on
April 27, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me
to sign House Bill 578.

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

House Bill No. 578

AN ACT concerning

Criminal Law - Carjacking - Possessor of Motor Vehicle

FOR the purpose of establishing that it is not a defense to the crimes of carjacking or
armed carjacking for a defendant to not intend to permanently deprive the
possessor of a motor vehicle of the possession of the motor vehicle; and generally
relating to carjacking and armed carjacking.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Criminal Law
Section 3-405

Annotated Code of Maryland
(2002 Volume and 2003 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Criminal Law

3-405.

(a) In this section, "motor vehicle" has the meaning stated in § 11-135 of the
Transportation Article.

- 3093 -