May27,1999

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
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 312.

This bill provides that if a child under 18 years old is convicted of a crime or found to have committed a delinquent act involving a destructive device, the court may order the child, the child's parent, or both to pay restitution. Under current law, only the child may be ordered to pay restitution. The court may also order the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to suspend the child's driving privilege for a period not to exceed: for a first offense, 6 months; and for a second or subsequent offense, one year or until the child is 21 years old, whichever is longer.

Senate Bill 223, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 13, 1999, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 312.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor