HARRY HUGHES, Governor                               3591

Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

Section 5-111

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1980 Replacement Volume and 1980 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

5-111.

CIVIL CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS FOR NONSUPPORT OF A SPOUSE
OR CHILDREN SHALL BE FILED WITHIN 3 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF
ARREARAGE. A PERSON MAY BE HELD IN CIVIL CONTEMPT FOR
NONSUPPORT OF A SPOUSE OR CHILDREN WHEN THE ACTION IS
COMMENCED WITHIN 3 YEARS OF THE TIME AN A COURT-ORDERED
INSTALLMENT BECOMES DUE AND REMAINS UNPAID.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1981.

May 19, 1981
The 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, today I have vetoed House Bill 828.

This bill provides that a proceeding for contempt of
court action against a parent in default of court-ordered
child support be instituted within three years of the date
each installment of support became due and remained unpaid.
Should the court determine that the party instituting the
contempt proceeding was justified in failing to take action
within the specified time period, an exception can be given.

Senate Bill 444, which was enacted by the General
Assembly and signed by me on May 19, 1981, accomplishes the
same purpose.

Therefore it is unnecessary for me to sign House Bill
828.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor