Marvin Mandel, Governor                        1913

in the Code. In effect, House Bill 425 eliminates a provision of the
law prohibiting the possession or drinking of intoxicating beverages
by spectators at any place where elementary school, junior high school
or high school athletic contests are taking place.

While I agree with the purpose of the bill, I believe that the
repeal of Section 123(b) of Article 27 does not further this purpose.
In addition, I am concerned about the repeal of the crime provided
for in Section 123(b) from a law enforcement and educational point
of view. Repealing Section 123(b) takes away an important law en-
forcement tool in keeping order at scholastic athletic events.

The State Superintendent of Schools has sent me a letter request-
ing that this bill be vetoed, and his letter delineates other problems
which House Bill 425 will create. A copy of the Superintendent's
letter is attached herewith and is to be considered a part of this
message.

For the above reasons, I have concluded that House Bill 425
should be vetoed.

Sincerely,

/s/ Marvin Mandel,

Governor.

Letter from State Department of Education on House Bill No. 425

May 25, 1971.

The Honorable Marvin Mandel
Governor of Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Governor Mandel:

It has been called to my attention that House Bill 425, which
was passed during the recent session of the General Assembly, would
eliminate a provision of the law which prohibits the possession or
drinking of intoxicating beverages by spectators at athletic contests
taking place at elementary, junior high₅ or senior high schools. I am
concerned about the results if this provision of the law is eliminated;
therefore, I am requesting that you veto House Bill 425.

Currently, there is a bylaw which was passed by the State Board
of Education prohibiting students from using intoxicants on school
premises. However, adult spectators are not covered under this bylaw.

If it is desirable to repeal Section 123 (a) and (e) of Article 27,
I would suggest that legislation be introduced during the next session
to repeal just those sections.

Sincerely yours,

James A. Sensenbaugh,

State Superintendent of Schools.

House Bill No. 580—Calvert County Motor Vehicle Laws

AN ACT to repeal and re-enact, with amendments, Section 11-101
of Article 66˝ of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1970 Replace-