May 16, 2002

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 970 - Juvenile Causes - Children in Need of Assistance - Hearings and Guardianship.

This bill makes clarifying changes in the laws governing child in need of assistance (CINA) proceedings in juvenile court. The bill alters terminology regarding hearings by changing references to "adjudication hearing" and "emergency review hearing" to "adjudicatory hearing" and "emergency review placement hearing," respectively. Other changes include clarifying that a shelter care hearing must be held no later than the next day that the circuit court is in session, extending the maximum time for an evaluation regarding an inpatient facility placement and clarifying the award of custody to a parent in certain CINA cares if a petition against one parent is sustained.

Senate Bill 394, 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 970.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor