May18,2000

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 323 - Criminal Procedure - Accessories Before the Fact - Abrogation.

This bill revokes, except for death penalty proceedings, the distinction between an accessory before the fact and a principal in a crime. The bill allows proceedings against an accessory before the fact: (1) in the same manner as a principal; (2) regardless of proceedings or dispositions concerning a principal in the crime; and (3) in any county where the act of accessoryship occurred or where a principal may be tried.

House Bill 167, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2000, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 323.

Sincerely,
Parris N. Glendening
Governor