May 16, 2002

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 501 - Interim Domestic Violence Orders and Interim Peace Orders - Issuance by District Court Commissioners.

This bill implements a proposed constitutional amendment allowing District Court Commissioners to issue interim orders for protection pending hearings on domestic violence and peace order petitions. In connection with a petition for relief from domestic violence, whenever a judge finds reasonable grounds to believe that abuse of a child or abuse of a vulnerable adult has occurred, the court must forward to the local department of social services a copy of the petition and temporary protective order. The local department must investigate the alleged abuse and send to the court a copy of the report of the investigation by the date of the final protective order hearing. In addition, the bill eliminates the requirement that a hearing on a petition for a temporary protective order or a temporary peace order be ex parte.

House Bill 663, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 501.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor