3092

VETOES

Senate Bill No. 1181 - Kent County — Liquor Control Board

AN ACT concerning

Kent County — Liquor Control Board

FOR the purpose of providing that the members of the Kent
County Liquor Control Board are to be appointed by the
County Commissioners Governor with the advice and

consent of the House of Delegates; changing the

compensation received by members of the liquor control
board; providing that the board may select its own
attorney; relating generally to the Kent County Liquor
Control Board; and clarifying language.

May 29, 1978
Honorable Steny H. Hoyer
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the
Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 1181.

The title of this bill states that it effects changes
in the provisions for appointment of the Kent County Liquor
Board, provides for compensation of the members, and
provides for selection of an attorney for the Board.

The till, in fact, substantively changes the provisions
that relate to the liquor control boards of Somerset,
Harford, and Montgomery counties. The Attorney General has
advised me that these changes are in contravention of the
Constitution. His Opinion states, in part, that "Since none
of these changes are even remotely alluded to in the bill's
title, they are constitutionally impermissible as
contravening Article III, Section 29 of the Constitution and
may not be given effect."

The Attorney General further advised me     that the

provisions of Senate Bill 1181 are severable and     that the

changes for Kent County could be given effect and   the other
changes would not.

The result of this action, however, would be
unnecessary confusion about the applicable law in Somerset,
Harford and Montgomery counties with respect to their liquor
control board.

A copy of the Opinion of the Attorney General is
attached and should be considered as a part of this veto
message.