HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2237

Senate Bill No. 592

AN ACT concerning

Courts — Reimbursement of Towing Fees

FOR the purpose of providing that in certain traffic cases
in the District Court, involving the impoundment of
motor vehicles for parking violations, the owner or
operator of the vehicle may be reimbursed for the
towing fees and storage charges paid to regain
possession of the vehicle; and relating generally to
reimbursement of towing fees under certain
circumstances in certain District Court traffic cases.

May 29, 1979
Honorable James Clark, Jr.
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 592.

This bill would amend the Courts and Judicial
Proceedings Article to provide for the reimbursement of
towing fees after: (1) a motor vehicle has been impounded;
(2) a determination has been made that the vehicle was not
illegally parked; and (3) the defendant has been found not
guilty or the charge is otherwise dismissed. The measure
also requires the District Court of Maryland, in conjunction
with State and local governments, to develop and implement
reasonable procedures for handling and expediting the
reimbursement of the towing fees.

The Chief Judge of the District Court has informed me
that he is in total agreement with the purpose of Senate
Bill 592. I too wholly support the purpose of the measure.

Unfortunately, in the face of reported disagreement
among the municipalities on the procedure by which this
measure should be implemented, the Chief Judge reluctantly
has advised me:

The language in this section is so vague and devoid of
specifics that I am persuaded that it would be almost
an impossible burden for the court to enter into
negotiations with this great number of governmental
entities that would result in a uniform reimbursement
procedure throughout the State. * * *

I think it imperative that a single procedure be
mandated by the General Assembly, to be followed by the