THEODORE R. McKELDIN, GOVERNOR                  1281

Senate Bill No. 196—Financial Responsibility

AN ACT to add new Section 119A to Article 66 1/2 of the Annotated
Code of Maryland (1951 Edition and 1954 Supplement), title
"Motor Vehicles", sub-title "Motor Vehicle Financial Responsi-
bility", to follow immediately after Section 119 of said Article,
relating to the furnishing of financial responsibility upon being
convicted of a "moving violation"

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TWICE WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD.

May 9, 1955

Senator Louis L. Goldstein

President of the Senate

State House

Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. President:

I have today vetoed Senate Bill 196. This is another in a series of
measures enacted in recent years with the aim of bringing larger
groups of motorists under the financial responsibility laws. The
objective of protecting innocent victims from irresponsible drivers is
not controversial. However, the problem of administration and in-
terpretation which is presented by this bill leads the Commissioner
of Motor Vehicles to recommend its veto in its present form. Further-
more, the substantial charge of $3.00 which this bill adds to the costs
in every conviction of a moving violation, regardless of the degree of
the offense, may be an undue burden upon motorists charged with
relatively minor violations.

It seems to me that the time has come for serious consideration of
exactly what the State's policy should be in the financial responsibility
field. In this country and in Canada, there are operating experience
records in connection with such statutory programs as compulsory
insurance and unsatisfied claim and judgment funds, as well as more
moderate, comprehensive approaches. The advisability of adopting
a program which will provide a systematic plan for the future, rather
than piece meal attacks on the problem, is a matter which I believe
should commend itself to the Legislative Council for further study and
recommendation.

Respectfully yours,

TRMcK :mg

(s) THEODORE R. MCKELDIN,

Governor

Senate Bill No. 242—Abandoned Ice Boxes

AN ACT to add Section 399A to Article 27 of the Annotated Code
of Maryland (1951 Edition), title "Crimes and Punishments",
said new section to follow immediately after Section 399 thereof
and to be under the new sub-title "Ice Boxes", making it unlawful
to place, or permit to be placed, outside of any building or dwelling
in a place accessible to children any abandoned or unattended or
uncrated ice box, refrigerator or freezer cabinet which has a
door or a lock which cannot be released for opening from the
inside thereof.

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