H.B. 679

VETOES

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

Article - Natural Resources

4-738.

(a) [The]SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE Department
shall prescribe by [rules and regulations) REGULATION the methods to catch snapping
turtles.

(B) (1) THE DEPARTMENT MAY NOT PROHIBIT BY REGULATION THE
CATCHING OF SNAPPING TURTLES BY HOOK AND LINE AS A METHOD OF PREDATOR
CONTROL IN DUCK NESTING AREAS IN SHALLOW TIDAL WATER WHERE TURTLE
POTS CANNOT BE SET AND IN PONDS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(2)     A HOOK SET FOR PREDATOR CONTROL SHALL BE AT LEAST 1 INCH
BETWEEN BARB AND SHANK.

(3)     A PERSON MAY NOT SET MORE THAN 30 HOOKS IN ANY DUCK
NESTING AREA.

[(b)](C) A person may not catch or attempt to catch snapping turtles in the
tributary waters of Charles County from April 15 to May 31, inclusive. A person may not
use hook and line and trotline to catch snapping turtles in these waters.

[(c)](D) The Department may not prohibit the use of turtle pots in areas where
nets are prohibited.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1997.

May 22, 1997

The Honorable Casper R. Taylor, Jr.
Speaker of the House
State House
Annapolis MD 21401

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today
vetoed House Bill 679.

This bill provides that protective orders served on a respondent must be served in open
court or by first class mail to the person's last known address.

Senate Bill 158, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 8,
1997, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign House
Bill 679.

Sincerely,

Parris N. Glendening

Governor

- 4796 -