HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2317

with Section 223(a) (13) of the Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention Act, as amended, and could
jeopardize Maryland's participation in the Act." May
8, 1979 Memorandum from Terrance S. Donahue and David
Wood, Juvenile Justice Specialists, FGTAD, through
James E. Gould, Acting Director, FGTAD to David D.
West, Acting Associate Administrator (OJJDP).

2/ The Attorney General has advised me that he entertains
real doubts about the measure's ability to withstand
constitutional attack under the Equal Protection Clause
of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Similarly, the State Court Administrator has informed
me that the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, the
Chief Judge of the District Courts and the Chairman of
the Judicial Conference are deeply concerned about the
equal protection implications of this bill and urge the
most careful review of its constitutionality.

House Bill No. 1288

AN ACT concerning

Conversion — Leased or Rented Goods

FOR the purpose of providing that certain persons who
receive physical possession of certain property under
certain written documents for certain purposes and who
fraudulently convert the property, are guilty of a
misdemeanor and providing penalties thereof; providing
that the failure to return the property is prima facie
evidence of intent to fraudulently convert and
providing for exceptions thereof; and generally
relating to conversion of leased or rented goods.

May 29, 1979
Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the
Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 1288.