HARRY HUGHES, Governor

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allocation of $2.9 million for library aid. At that time, I
am hopeful that we will be able to appropriate a similar
increase to the library program.

In conclusion, I reluctantly veto House Bill 1722
because of the unnecessary strain it may impose on the State
budget at a time when the future revenue picture remains
uncertain.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

House Bill No. 1792

AN ACT concerning

Mental Hygiene Laws - Evaluation in Criminal Cases

FOR the purpose of changing the requirement of the

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for forwarding
reports as to sanity, when the defendant interposed a
plea in writing, from 60 days to 7 days; changing the
requirement of the Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene for forwarding reports as to sanity, when there
is no plea alleging insanity, from 30 days to 7 days;
repealing time within which the Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene shall forward to a court certain
reports pertaining to a defendant's competency to stand
trial in certain instances; providing that failure to
meet certain time limitations shall not result in
dismissal of criminal charges, and authorizing the
court to extend these time limitations; amending
provisions for the confinement of criminal defendants
that remain in custody after referral by a court for a
criminal competency examination, and providing that a
court may direct these defendants be confined in
certain facilities; and repealing provisions that
provide for the transportation of these persons to an
evaluation facility and their return from the facility
after the evaluation is completed.

May 27, 1980
Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21404

Dear Mr. Speaker: