WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor                     H.B. 1689

threats to public health and safety by drug traffickers. The Maryland forfeiture laws are
meant to be and should continue to be harsh; otherwise they would be rendered
meaningless.

For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1689.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

House Bill No. 1689

AN ACT concerning

Forfeiture and Seizure - Circuit Court— Court Review

FOR the purpose of authorizing the circuit court to determine if, based on certain
factors, a seizing agency or forfeiting authority abused its discretion or was clearly
erroneous in making a determination, finding, or recommendation of forfeiture of
certain property seized in connection with a controlled dangerous substance related
offense; and generally relating to the forfeiture and seizure of property in
connection with controlled dangerous substances.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,
Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments
Section 297(i)(l)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1992 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments
Section 297(k)

Annotated Code of Maryland
(1992 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

297.

(i) In exercising the authority to seize motor vehicles pursuant to this section the
following standards shall be utilized:

(1) A motor vehicle used in violation of this section shall be seized and
forfeiture recommended to the forfeiting authority when:

(i) Controlled dangerous substances in any quantity are sold or
attempted to be sold in violation of this subtitle;

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