HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 1975

The County Commissioners of Allegany County are strongly
opposed to the bill and have voiced their objection to me.
In addition, the State Tax Commission has also expressed
opposition to the bill because it eliminates the provision of
the present law which requires the County Commissioners to
consult with the Supervisor of Assessments before decreasing
an assessment at any time between general revision of assess-
ments. In view of these objections, I am vetoing the bill.

BAD CHECK LAW.
HOUSE BILL 627.

AN ACT to add a new section to Article 27 of the Annotated
Code of Maryland (1943 Supplement), title "Crimes and
Punishments", sub-title False Pretenses", said new section
to be known as Section. 152A, and to follow immediately
after Section 152 of said Article, providing that justices of
the peace assigned to hear criminal matters shall have
original and concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Courts
of the counties to hear, try and determine cases arising
under the bad check laws except when either party desires a
trial by jury.

Under this enactment Justices of the Peace would be given
the authority to decide finally any case arising under the bad
check laws. One serious question immediately presents itself.
That is, no provision is made for the Justice of the Peace to
procure records of the accused. It might very well happen
that professional bad check operators could go from place to
place within the State and, if apprehended, might be tried
before different magistrates, shortly after the arrest, without
the magistrate having the means of ascertaining the prior
convictions of the accused.

As in the case of Senate Bill 611, I am advised that prose-
cuting authorities and Judges were not advised of the purpose
of this bill. It occurs to me that the matter should be debated
fully and carefully by the best informed officials and citizens
of the State before such a change is effected. For this rea-
son I consider it necessary to refuse executive approval.

BALTIMORE CITY.

HOUSE BILL 599.

AN ACT to repeal Sections 592 and 593 of Article 4 of the
Code of Public Local Laws of Maryland and Baltimore City
Charter (1938 Edition), title "Baltimore City", sub-title