VETOES

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland
Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 502.

This bill establishes the Drug Kingpin Act, and includes
provisions concerning drug trafficking of controlled dangerous
substances.

Senate Bill 400, which was passed by the General Assembly and
signed by me on May 19, 1989, accomplishes the same purpose.
Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House Bill 502.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

House Bill No. 502

AN ACT concerning

Brag Law Enforcement - The Drug Kingpin Act

FOR the purpose of making it a felony to use, wear, carry, or
transport or possess a firearm in connection with certain
drug-related crimes; providing for the forfeiture of a
firearm under certain conditions; establishing certain
penalties for the possession of certain amounts of certain
controlled dangerous substances; permitting the amounts of
certain substances to be aggregated for a certain purpose
under certain circumstances; granting certain police
authorities expanded powers under certain circumstances;
providing that a manufacturer or distributor of certain
controlled dangerous substances is guilty of a felony when
death occurs in certain cases; making it an offense to be a

leader of a drug network; granting certain police

authorities expanded powers under certain circumstances
prohibiting a person from occupying certain positions in a
conspiracy to commit certain controlled dangerous substances
offenses; requiring that certain penalties be imposed in
certain cases; authorizing certain prosecutors in certain
circumstances to file a written motion for a court order

compelling a witness to testify, or provide other

information; specifying the effect of the order; prohibiting
testimony or other evidence compelled under the order or
certain information derived from the compelled testimony or
other information from being used against the witness except

- 4870 -