HARRY HUGHES, Governor                                      3631

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland
Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 218, legislation
that would authorize limited slot machine gambling in eight
Eastern Shore counties.

Senate Bill 218, is almost identical to Senate Bill 774
which I vetoed after the 1985 regular session of the General
Assembly. It would authorize certain nonprofit organizations in
eight Eastern Shore counties to own and operate slot machines
under local regulation and on condition that 50 percent of the
proceeds go to charity.

I am opposed to this bill for policy, legal, and
philosophical reasons. Therefore, and for the same reasons
stated in my veto message on Senate Bill 774 of the 1985 Session,
a copy of which is attached, I have decided to veto Senate Bill
218.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

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, legislation
that 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' non profit 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