H.B. 346

VETOES

May 27, 1993

The Honorable R. Clayton Mitchell, Jr.
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today
vetoed House Bill 346.                                                                               

This bill would revise and restate provisions of current law concerning the crimes of arson
and burning. The bill also expands the current definition of structures to include any
occupied structures, and adds monetary penalties for certain offenses.

Senate Bill 302, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11,
1993, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House
Bill 346.                                                                   

Sincerely,                                                                                                               

William Donald Schaefer

Governor                                                                                          

                 House Bill No. 346                       

AN ACT concerning

Crimes - Arson and Burning - Revision

FOR the purpose of revising and restating the laws relating to. arson and burning;
expanding the crime of arson in the first degree to include certain occupied
structures; including fines as penalties for certain violations of this Act; prohibiting
a person from burning property with intent to defraud; repealing certain provisions
relating to attempting, aiding, counseling, or procuring certain offenses; repealing
certain prohibitions concerning setting fires while perpetrating crimes and
insurance fraud; clarifying that structures divided into separately owned or leased
units are separate structures for purposes of prosecution; providing a short form

charging document; providing that certain references to arson in the Code as they
relate to murder and crimes of violence are only applicable to arson in the first
degree; conforming language and altering cross-references to provisions relating to
arson and burning; providing that certain notes contained in this Act are not law
and may not be considered in a certain manner; making stylistic changes; defining
certain terms; and generally relating to arson and burning.,

BY repealing

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments                                                              

The subheading designation "Abortion"

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1992 Replacement Volume and 1992 Supplement)

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