S.B. 609

VETOES

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 1995.

May 24, 1995

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.

President of the Senate                                                                                         

State House

Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today
vetoed Senate Bill 609.

This bill requires a court to consider evidence that a party has committed abuse against
the other parent of the party's child, the party's spouse, or any child residing in the party's
household as a factor applicable to a child's welfare and best interests in a custody or
visitation proceeding. The bill also requires the court to make arrangements that best
protect the child and the victim of abuse, and establishes a rebuttable presumption that
joint custody is not in the best interests of the child.

House Bill 152, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on April 11,
1995, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate
Bill 609.

Sincerely,

Parris N. Glendening

Governor

Senate Bill No. 609

AN ACT concerning

Child Custody and Visitation - Abuse

FOR the purpose of requiring, rather than authorizing, a court to consider certain
evidence of abuse as a factor bearing on the welfare and best interests of the child
in a custody or visitation proceeding when deciding custody or visitation issues;
requiring the court to make certain arrangements for custody or visitation if the
court finds that a party has committed abuse against certain individuals; establishing
a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is not in the best interests of the child if
the court finds that a party has committed abuse against certain individuals;
defining certain terms; and generally relating to child custody and visitation.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - Family Law
Section 9-101.1
Annotated Code of Maryland

- 3800 -