HARRY HUGHES, Governor

3971

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1986.

May 27, 1986
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, I have today vetoed House Bill 766.

This bill allows a warrantless arrest if the police have
probable cause to believe the person has battered the person's
spouse, there is evidence of physical injury, and the person may
not be apprehended or may cause further injury if not immediately
apprehended.

Senate Bill 434, which was passed by the General Assembly
and signed by me on May 27, 1986, accomplishes the same purpose.
Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 766.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

House Bill No. 766

AN ACT concerning

Domestic Violence - Warrantless Arrest

FOR the purpose of permitting a police officer under certain
circumstances to arrest a person without a warrant if the
officer has probable cause to believe the person criminally
assaulted or caused apparent injury to certain individuals
with whom the person resides or formerly resided; providing
law enforcement officers making certain warrantless arrests

are immune from civil liability under certain circumstances;
battered the person's spouse; making technical changes; and
generally relating to warrantless arrests in cases of
alleged domestic violence.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments
Section 594B