HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3909

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1985.

May 28, 1985
The Honorable Melvin A. Steinberg
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 774 which would
have authorized limited slot machine gambling in eight Eastern
Shore counties. After extensive consideration, I am convinced
that neither the approach nor the goal of this legislation
represent sound public policy. It establishes an unwise
precedent and may lead to a serious eroding of the statewide
prohibition against the possession and operation of slot
machines.

Specifically, Senate Bill 774 authorizes a "bona fide
fraternal, religious, or war veterans' nonprofit organization"
located in any of eight Eastern Shore counties (excepting
Worcester County) that has been in existence for a period of five
years, to possess and operate not more than five slot machines.
The bill provides for local licensing and requires that at least
50% of the proceeds from the slot machines be turned over to
charity with the remainder used in furtherance of the purposes of
the organization. It also sets forth certain reporting
requirements to the Comptroller of the Treasury. Enforcement,
except with regard to the matters related to reporting,
presumably would be a local responsibility. The bill makes no
provision to exclude minors from participation nor does it in any
way limit participation to members of the eligible organization
or their guests. Similarly there is no limit on the hours when
slot machine activities would be permitted.

I have received substantial correspondence from legislators
and other citizens on this bill both urging its enactment and its
veto. In addition, the Town of Ocean City, though not
technically covered by the bill, has requested my veto because of
the fear of future pressure to include Worcester County among
those counties in which slot machine gambling is permitted.
Those requesting me to sign the bill argue that it is necessary
as a revenue raising measure for the affected organizations and
that it merely "ratifies" existing practice and "clarifies"
existing law. I note, in passing, that forfeiture actions are
pending at the trial level against 160 slot machines confiscated
from 24 Eastern Shore clubs. In addition, at least two cases are