Marvin Mandel, Governor                       2117

No. 56
(House Joint Resolution 99)

House Joint Resolution requesting the Legislative Council to study
the problem of shoplifting and to report to the General Assembly.

Whereas, The problem of shoplifting is a serious one of increas-
ing magnitude and concern; and

Whereas, The costs of various efforts to reduce shoplifting are
often disproportionate to the savings; and

Whereas, Merchants are reluctant to prosecute suspected shop-
lifters for fear of unfavorable publicity and damaging effects on
their business; and

Whereas, Many merchants are concerned about the possibility of
civil suits as a result of attempts to reduce shoplifting; and

Whereas, The numerous problems in this area require a detailed
study to consider possible needed legislation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the Legis-
lative Council make a study of the problem of shoplifting, including
procedures for arrest and prosecution, burdens of proof, defenses,
and penalties; and submit its findings to the General Assembly.

Approved April 22, 1970.

No. 57
(House Joint Resolution 100)

House Joint Resolution requesting the Governor to appoint a special
Commission LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL to study the State policy
regarding sick leave benefits for State employees with a view
toward revising this policy to provide incentives to State employees
to use their sick leave judiciously and to reward those who do.

Whereas, State employees are entitled to certain sick leave bene-
fits; and

Whereas, The State policy with regard to sick leave benefits is
considered to be fair and generous; and

Whereas, Most State employees make judicious use of their sick
leave benefits without just reward; and

Whereas, This lack of reward or incentive to make judicious use
of sick leave benefits has resulted in an abuse of these benefits by a
certain few State employees; and

Whereas, A revision of the State policy providing for such re-
wards and incentives would greatly benefit all State employees and,
consequently, the People of the State of Maryland; now, therefore,
be it

Resolved, That the General Assembly of Maryland hereby requests
the Governor to appoint a special commission LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL to study the State policy regarding sick leave benefits for