HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2321

1/As the intent is evidently to make special provision for
those in the rightful possession of land, the reference
to "owners and lessors" is probably intended to be
"owners and lessees," as indicated in the title.

House Bill No. 1385

AN ACT concerning

Harford County - Animal Traps

FOR the purpose of restricting the use of certain types of
animal traps by owners and lessees of privately owned
land in Harford County.

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 1385.

This bill permits trappers in Harford County to use
snares, body-gripping or leghold traps so long as they are
on privately-owned land and the trap is not placed within
150 yards of a permanent human resident.

The Attorney General has advised me that this bill
violates the prohibition against legislating for charter
counties in matters covered by the Express Powers Act and
therefore, it is not approved for constitutionality. A copy
of the Opinion of the Attorney General is attached and
should be considered a part of this veto message.

House Bill 1368 addresses this same issue in Harford
County and suffers from the same defect; accordingly, it has
been vetoed.

For the reason stated, I have decided to veto House
Bill 1385.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor