VETOES

(2) STATE THE REASONS FOR ANY DELAY IN THE PETITION
FOR TERMINATION OF THE NATURAL PARENT'S RIGHTS.

(E) ON RECEIPT OF A CHILD PLACEMENT AGENCY'S REPORT OF A
DELAY IN A PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF A NATURAL PARENT'S RIGHTS,
THE COURT SHALL:

(1) REVIEW THE REPORT;

(2) AFTER THE NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION,
HOLD A HEARING; AND                                                

(3) TAKE ANY ACTION THE COURT CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE
IN THE CHILD'S BEST INTEREST.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1987.

June 2, 1987
The Honorable R. Clayton Mitchell, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland
Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 961.

House Bill 961 addresses an extremely serious problem -
violations of alcoholic beverages laws by minors. Under existing
law, a fine for a violation may not exceed $100, although repeat
offenders are subject to fines not exceeding $200. House Bill
961 amends Article 27, Section 403B(c)(3) and (4) and (f) of the
Code to provide for fines "not less than $100 nor more than
$500", but does not address the subject of prepayment of fines.

The problems of alcohol abuse in society, and particularly
by underage individuals, are a major concern. Issues ranging
from drunk driving to alcoholism and education are involved.
Senate Bill 458 is also intended to address those problems. This
bill raises the maximum fine for repeat violations to $500. It
also specifically repeals the provisions of law that allow the
prepayment of fines for alcoholic beverages offenses. This
latter provision is extremely important to efforts to put an end
to violations by minors of alcoholic beverages laws.

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