1988 VETOES.

hearings and, in the two years during which it has been on the
statute books, favorable approval has been expressed.

It was not understood that the recent Legislature was con-
sidering any change in the basic system and Bar Association
committees and others interested in the pension plan were
totally unaware that this bill would change any of the im-
portant features of the existing system. It was the general
impression that Senate Bill 123 was confined to the individual
case in question.

I might, also, note the fact that, when this bill was sent from
the Senate to the House, it contained provisions which elimi-
nated two counties in the State so that it would have been
questionable whether Judges in those counties would have been
entitled to pensions after their judicial service. However, just
before adjournment, these provisions were eliminated and
thereupon amendments were added, one of which made the
change now being discussed.

After adjournment, officials of the Bar Associations noted
with surprise the effect of the new law if given executive ap-
proval. The President of the Maryland State Bar Association
has registered disapproval of the proposed enactment and
the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of Baltimore
City has advised me of its desire to have the bill vetoed.

It seems apparent that, in an evident attempt to take care
of an individual case, the Legislature has written in a provision
affecting an entire group of Judges to their detriment. I do
not think this was intended and believe it would be unfair
to the Judges who are serving with the right to expect that,
if the voters elect them for new terms, they will be entitled
to receive credit for the entire period of their service when they
are eligible for pensions.

I believe that the next Legislature can, if it so desires, clear
up the situation with regard to the one Judge without disrupt-
ing the present pension plan. Under all the circumstances,
therefore, I feel it my duty to veto Senate Bill 123.

MANSLAUGHTER.
SENATE BILL 611.

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section
436A of Article 27 of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1943
Supplement), title "Crimes and Punishments", sub-title.
"Manslaughter", making it a misdemeanor for a person to
cause the death of another in operating a vehicle and con-
ferring jurisdiction upon Trial Magistrates in the several
Counties over said offense.