reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 3 - Spouses' Liabilities › Section 4-301 - Protection From Liability for Spouse's Obligations

(a)    (1)    An individual is not liable for:
(i)    any debt contracted by the individual’s spouse before the marriage; or
(ii)    any claim or demand against the spouse that arose before the marriage.
(2)    The debtor spouse and that spouse’s property are liable for the debt as if the marriage had not occurred.
(b)    A husband is not liable:
(1)    for a tort that is committed:
(i)    separately by his wife; and
(ii)    without his participation or sanction; or
(2)    on a contract made by his wife in her own name and on her own responsibility.
(c)    A judgment or decree in a proceeding under § 4-205(b) of this title shall:
(1)    be passed against the wife only; and
(2)    operate only on the property she owned individually before or after the marriage.
(d)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the property that a woman owns at the time of her marriage, or acquires after her marriage, is not liable for the payment of her husband’s debts.
(2)    (i)    A transfer of property between spouses is invalid if made in prejudice of the rights of present creditors.
(ii)    A claim under this paragraph shall be asserted within 3 years after the transfer or be barred absolutely.
(iii)    For purposes of this paragraph, all claims are considered due and matured.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 4 - Services to Families With Children › Section 4-401 - Legislative Policy

The General Assembly declares:
(1)    that it is the policy of this State to promote family stability, to preserve family unity, and to help families achieve and maintain self-reliance by:
(i)    responding to financial and family crisis through direct provision of family counseling and supportive services; and
(ii)    referral to appropriate community resources; and
(2)    this State has the responsibility to provide services that prevent the kind of family dissolution and breakdown that requires protective services or out-of-home placement.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 4 - Services to Families With Children › Section 4-402 - Program Established

(a)    (1)    To implement the policies set forth in this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish in each local department a program of services to families with children.
(2)    The program shall be available to:
(i)    those families who are receiving temporary cash assistance or Supplemental Security Income; and
(ii)    those families whose gross income is 80% or less of this State’s median income adjusted for family size in accordance with regulations adopted by the Social Services Administration.
(b)    For purposes of this subtitle, services to families with children are:
(1)    functional services to help a family resolve a situational crisis brought on by catastrophe, deprivation of income, lack of shelter, physical illness, mental illness, death, desertion, or abandonment;
(2)    family counseling:
(i)    to resolve marital conflict, familial conflict, and parent-child relationship problems; and
(ii)    to teach child care and development and parenting skills;
(3)    information and referral services to teach families how to locate and use community services, including health care services; and
(4)    home management services to teach the management of household duties and responsibilities, including budgeting skills.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 4 - Services to Families With Children › Section 4-403 - Duties of Department of Human Services

(a)    The Department of Human Services shall continue to develop and maintain a program to carry out the purposes of this subtitle in each local department.
(b)    In implementing the program, the Department of Human Services shall:
(1)    adopt, by regulation, guidelines for implementing the program in each local department;
(2)    continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the program; and
(3)    to the extent possible, coordinate for families with children the delivery of child care, health, educational, mental health, employment, housing, and crisis services provided by public and private agencies.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-502 - Duties of Law Enforcement Officers

(a)    (1)    Any person who alleges to have been a victim of abuse and who believes there is a danger of serious and immediate personal harm may request the help of a local law enforcement unit.
(2)    A local law enforcement officer who responds to the request for help shall:
(i)    protect the person from harm when responding to the request; and
(ii)    accompany the person to the family home so that the person may remove the following items, regardless of who paid for the items:
1.    the personal clothing of the person and of any child in the care of the person; and
2.    the personal effects, including medicine or medical devices, of the person and of any child in the care of the person that the person or child needs immediately.
(b)    A law enforcement officer who responds to a request described in subsection (a) of this section has the immunity from liability described under § 5-610 of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-503 - Notice of Victim's Rights to Victim

(a)    A law enforcement officer who responds to a request for help under § 4–502 of this Part I of this subtitle shall give the victim a written notice that:
(1)    includes the telephone number of a local domestic violence program that receives funding from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services; and
(2)    states that:
(i)    the victim may request that a District Court commissioner file a criminal charging document against the alleged abuser;
(ii)    if the commissioner declines to charge the alleged abuser, the victim may request that the State’s Attorney file a criminal charging document against the alleged abuser;
(iii)    the victim may file in the District Court or a circuit court or, when neither the office of the clerk of the circuit court nor the Office of the District Court Clerk is open, with a commissioner, a petition under this subtitle; and
(iv)    the victim may obtain a copy of the incident report, as provided under § 4–503.1 of this Part I of this subtitle.
(b)    A law enforcement officer may not be held liable in a civil action that arises from the officer’s failure to provide the notice required under subsection (a) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part I - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 4-503.1 - Report of Abuse to Victim

(a)    If an incident report is filed when a law enforcement officer responds to a request for help under § 4–502 of this Part I of this subtitle, the law enforcement unit shall provide a copy of the report to the victim on request.
(b)    The victim need not obtain a subpoena to receive a copy of the incident report.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-504 - Petition for Relief From Abuse

(a)    (1)    A petitioner may seek relief from abuse by filing with a court, or with a commissioner under the circumstances specified in § 4–504.1(a) of this subtitle, a petition that alleges abuse of any person eligible for relief by the respondent.
(2)    A petition may be filed under this subtitle if:
(i)    the abuse is alleged to have occurred in the State; or
(ii)    the person eligible for relief is a resident of the State, regardless of whether the abuse is alleged to have occurred in the State.
(b)    (1)    The petition shall:
(i)    be under oath; and
(ii)    include any information known to the petitioner of:
1.    the nature and extent of the abuse for which the relief is being sought, including information known to the petitioner concerning previous injury resulting from abuse by the respondent;
2.    each previous action between the parties in any court;
3.    each pending action between the parties in any court;
4.    the whereabouts of the respondent, if known;
5.    if financial relief is requested, information known to the petitioner regarding the financial resources of the respondent; and
6.    in a case of alleged child abuse or alleged abuse of a vulnerable adult, the whereabouts of the child or vulnerable adult and any other information relating to the abuse of the child or vulnerable adult.
(2)    If the petition states that disclosure of the address of a person eligible for relief would risk further abuse of a person eligible for relief, or reveal the confidential address of a shelter for domestic violence victims, that address may be omitted from all documents filed with a commissioner or filed with, or transferred to, a court. If disclosure is necessary to determine jurisdiction or consider any venue issue, it shall be made orally and in camera and may not be disclosed to the respondent.
(c)    The petitioner may not be required to pay a filing fee or costs for the issuance or service of:
(1)    an interim protective order;
(2)    a temporary protective order;
(3)    a final protective order; or
(4)    a witness subpoena.
(d)    (1)    If a petitioner has requested notification of the service of a protective order, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall:
(i)    notify the petitioner of the service on the respondent of an interim or a temporary protective order within one hour after a law enforcement officer electronically notifies the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services of the service; and
(ii)    notify the petitioner of the service on the respondent of a final protective order within one hour after knowledge of service of the order on the respondent.
(2)    The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall develop a notification request form and procedures for notification under this subsection.
(3)    The court clerk or Commissioner shall provide the notification request form to a petitioner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-505.1 - Temporary Protective Order -- Referral of Petitioner -- Court Hearing

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Child advocacy center” means a center established under § 11–928 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
(3)    “File electronically” means to send, communicate, receive, or store by electronic means.
(4)    “Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.
(5)    “Vulnerable adult program” means:
(i)    a program implemented under § 14–201 of this article; or
(ii)    any program that receives federal or State funding to prevent abuse of or assist vulnerable adults.
(b)    A petitioner may file electronically a petition for a temporary protective order with a court from:
(1)    a domestic violence prevention or assistance program;
(2)    a sexual assault prevention or assistance program;
(3)    a human trafficking prevention or assistance program;
(4)    a child advocacy center;
(5)    a vulnerable adult program;
(6)    a hospital where the petitioner is receiving medical treatment, while the petitioner is at the hospital; or
(7)    another location approved by the court.
(c)    The hospital shall refer the petitioner filing a petition on the grounds of:
(1)    domestic violence:
(i)    to a hospital–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; or
(ii)    if there is not a hospital–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program, to a community–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; and
(2)    sexual assault to a community–based sexual assault prevention or assistance program.
(d)    A court that receives a petition filed electronically in accordance with this section shall hold a hearing on the petition through the use of video conferencing on:
(1)    the same business day if the petition is filed during regular court hours and the court is open; or
(2)    the next business day the court is open if the petition is not filed during regular court hours.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-506.1 - Surrender of Firearm; Retake of Possession; Transport

(a)    If a respondent surrenders a firearm under § 4–505 or § 4–506 of this subtitle, a law enforcement officer shall:
(1)    provide to the respondent information on the process for retaking possession of the firearm; and
(2)    transport and store the firearm in a protective case, if one is available, and in a manner intended to prevent damage to the firearm during the time the protective order is in effect.
(b)    (1)    The respondent may retake possession of the firearm at the expiration of a temporary protective order unless:
(i)    the respondent is ordered to surrender the firearm in a protective order issued under § 4–506 of this subtitle; or
(ii)    the respondent is not otherwise legally entitled to own or possess the firearm.
(2)    The respondent may retake possession of the firearm at the expiration of a final protective order unless:
(i)    the protective order is extended under § 4–507(a)(2) of this subtitle; or
(ii)    the respondent is not otherwise legally entitled to own or possess the firearm.
(c)    Notwithstanding any other law, a respondent may transport a firearm if the respondent is carrying a protective order requiring the surrender of the firearm and:
(1)    the firearm is unloaded;
(2)    the respondent has notified the law enforcement unit, barracks, or station that the firearm is being transported in accordance with the protective order; and
(3)    the respondent transports the firearm directly to the law enforcement unit, barracks, or station.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-507 - Modification or Rescission of Orders; Appeals

(a)    (1)    A protective order may be modified or rescinded during the term of the protective order after:
(i)    giving notice to all affected persons eligible for relief and the respondent; and
(ii)    a hearing.
(2)    For good cause shown, a judge may extend the term of the protective order for 6 months beyond the period specified in § 4–506(j) of this subtitle, after:
(i)    giving notice to all affected persons eligible for relief and the respondent; and
(ii)    a hearing.
(3)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a judge may extend the term of a protective order for a period not to exceed 2 years from the date the extension is granted if:
1.    during the term of the protective order, the judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent named in the protective order has committed a subsequent act of abuse against a person eligible for relief named in the protective order; or
2.    the respondent named in the protective order consents to the extension of the protective order.
(ii)    The judge may extend the term of the protective order under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph after:
1.    giving notice to all affected persons eligible for relief and the respondent; and
2.    a hearing.
(iii)    In determining the period of extension of a protective order under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph, the judge shall consider the following factors:
1.    the nature and severity of the subsequent act of abuse;
2.    the history and severity of abuse in the relationship between the respondent and any person eligible for relief named in the protective order;
3.    the pendency and type of criminal charges against the respondent; and
4.    the nature and extent of the injury or risk of injury caused by the respondent.
(4)    (i)    If, during the term of a final protective order, a petitioner or person eligible for relief files a motion to extend the term of the order under paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection, the court shall hold a hearing on the motion within 30 days after the motion is filed.
(ii)    If the hearing on the motion is not held before the original expiration date of the final protective order, the order shall be automatically extended and the terms of the order shall remain in full force and effect until the hearing on the motion.
(b)    (1)    If a District Court judge grants or denies relief under a petition filed under this subtitle, a respondent, any person eligible for relief, or a petitioner may appeal to the circuit court for the county where the District Court is located.
(2)    An appeal taken under this subsection to the circuit court shall be heard de novo in the circuit court.
(3)    If an appeal is filed under this subsection, the District Court judgment shall remain in effect until superseded by a judgment of the circuit court. Unless the circuit court orders otherwise, modification or enforcement of the District Court order shall be by the District Court.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-508 - Sanctions for Violating Order

(a)    An interim protective order, temporary protective order, and final protective order issued under this subtitle shall state that a violation of the order may result in:
(1)    criminal prosecution; and
(2)    imprisonment or fine or both.
(b)    A temporary protective order and final protective order issued under this subtitle shall state that a violation of the order may result in a finding of contempt.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-508.1 - Out-of-State Protective Orders

(a)    (1)    In this section, “order for protection” means a temporary or final order or injunction that:
(i)    is issued for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to another person;
(ii)    is issued by a civil court in response to a complaint, petition, or motion filed by or on behalf of a person seeking protection or by a criminal court; and
(iii)    is obtained by filing an independent action or as a pendente lite order in another proceeding.
(2)    “Order for protection” does not include a support or child custody order.
(b)    An order for protection issued by a court of another state or a Native American tribe shall be accorded full faith and credit by a court of this State and shall be enforced:
(1)    in the case of an ex parte order for protection, only to the extent that the order affords relief that is permitted under § 4–505 of this subtitle; and
(2)    in the case of an order for protection, other than an ex parte order for protection, only to the extent that the order affords relief that is permitted under § 4–506(d) of this subtitle.
(c)    A law enforcement officer shall arrest with or without a warrant and take into custody a person who the officer has probable cause to believe is in violation of an order for protection that was issued by a court of another state or a Native American tribe and is in effect at the time of the violation if the person seeking the assistance of the law enforcement officer:
(1)    has filed with the District Court or circuit court for the jurisdiction in which the person seeks assistance a copy of the order; or
(2)    displays or presents to the law enforcement officer a copy of the order that appears valid on its face.
(d)    A law enforcement officer acting in accordance with this section shall be immune from civil liability if the law enforcement officer acts in good faith and in a reasonable manner.
(e)    It is the intent of the General Assembly that an order for protection issued by a court of this State shall be accorded full faith and credit by a court of another state to the extent required by federal law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-509 - Penalties

(a)    A person may not fail to comply with the relief granted in an interim protective order under § 4–504.1(c)(1), (2), (3), (4)(i), (7), or (8) of this subtitle, a temporary protective order under § 4–505(a)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or (viii) of this subtitle, or a final protective order under § 4–506(d)(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5), or (f) of this subtitle.
(b)    A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject, for each offense, to:
(1)    for a first offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both; and
(2)    for a second or subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $2,500 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.
(c)    Notwithstanding any other law, a conviction under this section may not merge with a conviction for any other crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
(d)    A sentence imposed under this section may be imposed separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
(e)    For the purpose of second or subsequent offender penalties provided under subsection (b)(2) of this section, a prior conviction under § 3–1508 of the Courts Article shall be considered a conviction under this section.
(f)    An officer shall arrest with or without a warrant and take into custody a person who the officer has probable cause to believe is in violation of an interim, temporary, or final protective order in effect at the time of the violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-510 - Nonpreclusion of Remedies

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, by proceeding under this subtitle, a petitioner, including a petitioner who acts on behalf of a child or vulnerable adult, is not limited to or precluded from pursuing any other legal remedy.
(b)    A person eligible for relief, as defined in § 4-501 of this subtitle, is not eligible for peace order relief under Title 3, Subtitle 8A or Subtitle 15 of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-511 - Removing Firearm From Scene

(a)    When responding to the scene of an alleged act of domestic violence, as described in this subtitle, a law enforcement officer may remove a firearm from the scene if:
(1)    the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that an act of domestic violence has occurred; and
(2)    the law enforcement officer has observed the firearm on the scene during the response.
(b)    If a firearm is removed from the scene under subsection (a) of this section, the law enforcement officer shall:
(1)    provide to the owner of the firearm information on the process for retaking possession of the firearm; and
(2)    provide for the safe storage of the firearm during the pendency of any proceeding related to the alleged act of domestic violence.
(c)    At the conclusion of a proceeding on the alleged act of domestic violence, the owner of the firearm may retake possession of the firearm unless ordered to surrender the firearm under § 4-506 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part II - Household Violence › Section 4-512.1 - Domestic Violence Central Repository

(a)    In this section, “Central Repository” means the Domestic Violence Central Repository.
(b)    The Administrative Office of the Courts shall maintain a Domestic Violence Central Repository.
(c)    (1)    The Central Repository shall store the following domestic violence orders issued in the State:
(i)    interim protective orders;
(ii)    temporary protective orders;
(iii)    final protective orders;
(iv)    peace orders issued under Title 3, Subtitle 15 of the Courts Article; and
(v)    except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, peace orders issued under Title 3, Subtitle 8A of the Courts Article.
(2)    A peace order issued under Title 3, Subtitle 8A of the Courts Article shall be stored only during the term of the peace order.
(d)    The purposes of the Central Repository are to:
(1)    provide immediate access to domestic violence orders by judges, court personnel, and law enforcement agencies;
(2)    improve the courts’ ability to respond effectively, promptly, and in a coordinated manner to domestic violence cases;
(3)    eliminate conflicting or simultaneous domestic violence orders by improving communication between the District Court and the circuit courts;
(4)    enhance the enforceability of domestic violence orders by law enforcement agencies; and
(5)    facilitate service of domestic violence orders.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part III - Victims of Domestic Violence › Section 4-513 - "Victim of Domestic Violence" Defined

In this Part III of this subtitle, “victim of domestic violence” means an individual who has received deliberate, severe, and demonstrable physical injury, or is in fear of imminent deliberate, severe, and demonstrable physical injury from a current or former spouse, or a current or former cohabitant, as defined in § 4–501 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part III - Victims of Domestic Violence › Section 4-514 - Legislative Policy

The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    an increasing number of victims of domestic violence are forced to leave their homes to ensure their life, safety, and welfare;
(2)    victims of domestic violence and their children often are economically dependent on the abuser and have no place to live outside the household; and
(3)    in the past, these victims of domestic violence have been ignored and, therefore, there is a lack of counseling, service, and quality emergency public or private housing to provide a place to live for these victims of domestic violence and their children.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part III - Victims of Domestic Violence › Section 4-515 - Domestic Violence Program

(a)    (1)    The Executive Director shall establish a program in the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services to help victims of domestic violence and their children.
(2)    The purpose of the program is to provide for victims of domestic violence and their children, in each region of this State:
(i)    temporary shelter or help in obtaining shelter;
(ii)    counseling;
(iii)    information;
(iv)    referral; and
(v)    rehabilitation.
(b)    As a part of the domestic violence program, there shall be, in a major population center of this State, at least 1 program serving the area.
(c)    Any program established under this section shall be subject to the following conditions:
(1)    the program shall provide victims of domestic violence and their children with a temporary home and necessary counseling;
(2)    the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services shall:
(i)    supervise the program;
(ii)    set standards of care and admission policies;
(iii)    monitor the operation of the program and annually evaluate the effectiveness of the program;
(iv)    adopt rules and regulations that set fees for services at and govern the operation of each program; and
(v)    regularly consult, collaborate with, and consider the recommendations of the federally recognized State domestic violence coalition regarding domestic violence programs and policies, practices, and procedures that impact victims of domestic violence and their children;
(3)    the program shall accept from the police or any other referral source in the community any victim of domestic violence and the child of any victim of domestic violence; and
(4)    housing may not be provided under this subtitle to an applicant for housing who is not a resident of this State at the time the application for housing is made.
(d)    (1)    As funds become available, the Executive Director may extend the domestic violence program to other areas in this State.
(2)    Expansion of the domestic violence program may include:
(i)    establishing additional shelters; or
(ii)    providing funds and technical assistance to a local organization or agency that shows that it is able and willing to run a domestic violence program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence › Part III - Victims of Domestic Violence › Section 4-516 - Administration of Domestic Violence Program

(a)    Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Executive Director shall submit to the General Assembly a report on the domestic violence program annually.
(b)    In addition to receiving funds from the annual budget, the Executive Director shall attempt to secure funding, including in–kind contributions, for the establishment and operation of the domestic violence program from:
(1)    the federal government;
(2)    local governments; and
(3)    private sources.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part I - Definition; General Provisions › Section 4-601 - "Displaced Homemaker" Defined

In this subtitle, “displaced homemaker” means an individual who:
(1)    is at least 35 years old;
(2)    has worked for the individual’s family in the family home;
(3)    is not gainfully employed;
(4)    has had, or would have, difficulty in securing employment; and
(5)    has depended on:
(i)    the income of a family member and has lost that income as the result of separation, divorce, or the death or disability of that family member; or
(ii)    government assistance as the parent of a dependent child and is no longer eligible for that assistance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part I - Definition; General Provisions › Section 4-602 - Findings; Statement of Intent

(a)    The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    homemakers have been an insufficiently recognized sector of the work force who make an invaluable contribution to the welfare of the residents of this State; and
(2)    there is an ever-increasing number of individuals in this State who:
(i)    have fulfilled a role as homemaker;
(ii)    in their middle years, because of separation, divorce, or the death or disability of a family member depended on for support, are:
1.    displaced homemakers; and
2.    without income or with substantially reduced income;
(iii)    very often are ineligible for public assistance, unemployment benefits, insurance benefits, and Social Security benefits;
(iv)    have the highest unemployment rate of any sector of the work force;
(v)    face discrimination in employment because of age and the absence of any recent employment experience;
(vi)    often have lost rights as beneficiaries under employers’ pension and health plans and other insurance plans; and
(vii)    often are unacceptable to private insurance plans because of their age.
(b)    In enacting this subtitle, the General Assembly intends to provide to displaced homemakers the counseling, training, employment placement assistance, services, and health care that displaced homemakers need to continue as productive residents of this State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-606 - General Functions of Center

(a)    To assist displaced homemakers in becoming gainfully employed, the center shall provide them with:
(1)    counseling;
(2)    training;
(3)    skills;
(4)    services; and
(5)    education.
(b)    To the extent the center has the resources available, the center may also provide these services to persons who are at least 30 years old and:
(1)    who satisfy the criteria for displaced homemakers under § 4-601(2), (3), (4), and (5) of this subtitle; or
(2)    who have depended on Aid to Families with Dependent Children or temporary cash assistance for at least 24 months.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-607 - Programs

The center shall provide:
(1)    a job counseling program for displaced homemakers that is designed specifically for individuals who are reentering the job market after being absent from the job market for a number of years;
(2)    job training programs for jobs that are available in the public and private sectors;
(3)    an employment placement program; and
(4)    service programs, including:
(i)    health services counseling, using existing health services programs;
(ii)    money management courses, including information and assistance in dealing with insurance, taxes, mortgages, loans, and probate; and
(iii)    information and assistance in dealing with government benefit programs, including Supplemental Security Income, Social Security benefits, Veterans Administration benefits, public assistance, food stamps, and unemployment insurance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-608 - Staff -- Composition; Training

(a)    To the greatest extent possible and appropriate, the staff of the center shall consist of displaced homemakers. Staff positions filled by displaced homemakers shall include supervisory, technical, and administrative positions.
(b)    If, with additional training or retraining, a displaced homemaker has the potential to be a member of the staff, the individuals who operate the programs of the center shall provide the displaced homemaker with on-the-job training.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-609 - Staff -- Duties

The staff of the center shall:
(1)    work with local government agencies and private employers to develop job training programs; and
(2)    work with federal, State, and local government agencies in the area of the center to assist displaced homemakers in securing permanent employment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-610 - Duties of Secretary -- Funds and Contributions; Government Agencies

(a)    In establishing the center, the Secretary shall explore the availability of and, to the extent available and appropriate, shall use funds and contributions from federal, local, and private sources, including in-kind contributions of building space, equipment, and qualified personnel for training programs.
(b)    The Secretary shall work with federal, State, and local government agencies in the area of the center to assist displaced homemakers in securing permanent employment.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-611 - Duties of Secretary -- Rules and Regulations

The Secretary shall adopt rules and regulations that govern:
(1)    the eligibility of displaced homemakers for the programs of the center;
(2)    the level of stipends for displaced homemakers in job training programs under § 4-607(2) of this subtitle;
(3)    a sliding fee scale, based on ability to pay, for service programs under § 4-607(4) of this subtitle; and
(4)    any other matter that the Secretary finds necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-612 - Powers of Secretary -- Evaluations

(a)    The Secretary may:
(1)    evaluate periodically the effectiveness of the job training, employment placement, and service programs of the center; and
(2)    include in the Secretary’s annual report to the General Assembly a report on the center and its programs.
(b)    The evaluation and report shall include:
(1)    the number of displaced homemakers who participate in job training programs;
(2)    the number of displaced homemakers who are placed in employment;
(3)    follow–up information on displaced homemakers who participate in job training programs or who are placed in employment;
(4)    the number of displaced homemakers who are served by the service programs; and
(5)    the cost effectiveness of the programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 6 - Displaced Homemakers › Part II - Multipurpose Service Center › Section 4-613 - Powers of Secretary -- Miscellaneous Powers

(a)    The Secretary may make grants to nonprofit agencies or organizations to establish and operate any program of the center.
(b)    The Secretary may establish a multipurpose service center in or extend any program of the center to another area of this State.
(c)    The Secretary may delegate any of the authority granted to the Secretary under this subtitle to any agency in the Department of Human Services that the Secretary considers appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-701 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Abuse” has the meaning stated in § 4-501(b)(1) of this title.
(c)    “Domestic violence” means abuse occurring between:
(1)    current or former spouses or cohabitants;
(2)    persons who have a child in common; or
(3)    persons currently or formerly involved in a dating relationship.
(d)    “Domestic violence program” is a program established in accordance with § 4-515 of this title.
(e)    “Local team” means the multidisciplinary and multiagency domestic violence fatality review team established for a county in accordance with this subtitle.
(f)    “Serious physical injury” has the meaning stated in § 3-201 of the Criminal Law Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-702 - Teams Authorized

(a)    A county is authorized to establish a domestic violence fatality review team.
(b)    In a county, the State’s Attorney, the head of the primary law enforcement agency, or the director of the domestic violence program may organize a local team.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-703 - Composition of Team

(a)    The members of a local team shall be drawn from the following persons, organizations, agencies, and areas of expertise, from within the county, as available:
(1)    domestic violence service providers;
(2)    law enforcement agencies;
(3)    the State’s Attorney’s office;
(4)    the local health department;
(5)    the local department of social services;
(6)    the domestic violence coordinating council;
(7)    batterer intervention services providers;
(8)    the Division of Parole and Probation;
(9)    hospitals;
(10)    judges of the District Court and circuit courts;
(11)    clerks of the District Court and circuit courts;
(12)    the Chief Medical Examiner’s office;
(13)    survivors of domestic violence; and
(14)    any other person necessary to the work of the local team, recommended by the local team.
(b)    The members described under subsection (a)(1) through (12) of this section may designate representatives from their departments or offices to represent them on the local team.
(c)    Each local team shall elect a chair by majority vote from among its members.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-704 - Purpose

(a)    The purpose of a local team is to prevent deaths related to domestic violence by:
(1)    promoting cooperation and coordination among agencies involved in:
(i)    investigating deaths related to domestic violence; or
(ii)    providing services to victims of domestic violence, abusers, or surviving family members;
(2)    developing an understanding of the causes and incidence of deaths related to domestic violence in the county; and
(3)    developing plans for and recommending changes within the agencies the members represent.
(b)    To achieve its purpose, a local team shall:
(1)    establish and implement a protocol for the local team;
(2)    as provided in subsection (c) of this section, review fatalities and cases of serious physical injury related to domestic violence that have occurred in the county;
(3)    meet on a regular basis as determined by the local team, at least annually, to:
(i)    review the status of domestic violence fatality cases in the county;
(ii)    recommend actions to improve coordination of services and investigations among member agencies; and
(iii)    recommend actions within the member agencies to prevent deaths related to domestic violence; and
(4)    provide reports that include recommendations:
(i)    to improve coordination of services and investigations;
(ii)    to implement changes recommended by the local team within member agencies; and
(iii)    on needed changes to State and local law, policy, and practice to prevent deaths related to domestic violence.
(c)    (1)    In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, a local team shall determine the number and types of cases the team will review.
(2)    A local team may review criminal cases only at the conclusion of the case in trial court or after the investigation of a suicide has been closed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-705 - Access to Information

On request of the chair of a local team and as necessary to carry out the local team’s purpose and duties under this subtitle, the local team shall be immediately provided:
(1)    with access to information and records by a provider of medical care, including dental and mental health care, regarding a person whose death or serious physical injury is being reviewed by the local team; and
(2)    access to all information and records maintained by any State or local government agency, including birth certificates, law enforcement investigative information, medical examiner investigative information, parole and probation information and records, and information and records of a social services agency that provided services to the person or the person’s family.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-706 - Closed and Public Meetings; Violations

(a)    Meetings of a local team shall be closed to the public and not subject to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article when the local team is discussing individual cases.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, meetings of a local team shall be open to the public and subject to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article when the local team is not discussing individual cases.
(c)    (1)    Information identifying a deceased person, a family member, or an alleged or suspected perpetrator of abuse may not be disclosed during a public meeting.
(2)    Information regarding the involvement of any agency, organization, or person with a deceased person or the person’s family may not be disclosed during a public meeting.
(d)    This section does not prohibit a local team from requesting the attendance at a team meeting of a person who has information relevant to the exercise of the team’s purpose and duties under this subtitle.
(e)    A violation of this section is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 4 - Spouses › Subtitle 7 - Local Domestic Violence Fatality Review Teams › Section 4-707 - Confidentiality

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, all information and records acquired by a local team in the exercise of its purpose and duties under this subtitle:
(1)    are confidential;
(2)    are exempt from disclosure under Title 4 of the General Provisions Article; and
(3)    may only be disclosed as necessary to carry out the local team’s duties and purposes.
(b)    Statistical compilations of data that do not contain any information that would permit the identification of any person to be ascertained are public records.
(c)    Reports of a local team that do not contain any information that would permit the identification of any person to be ascertained are public information.
(d)    Except as necessary to carry out a local team’s purpose and duties under this subtitle, members of a local team and persons attending a local team meeting may not disclose:
(1)    what transpired at a meeting closed to the public under § 4-706 of this subtitle; or
(2)    any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section.
(e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, members of a local team, persons attending a local team meeting, and persons who present information to a local team may not be questioned in any civil or criminal proceeding regarding information presented in or opinions formed as a result of a meeting.
(2)    A person may testify to information obtained independently of the local team or that is public information.
(f)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, information, documents, and records of a local team are not subject to subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence in any civil or criminal proceeding.
(2)    Information, documents, and records otherwise available from other sources are not immune from subpoena, discovery, or introduction into evidence through those sources solely because they were presented during proceedings of a local team or are maintained by a local team.
(g)    A violation of this section is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 1 - Definitions › Section 5-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Adoptive parent” means an individual who completes adoption of another individual.
(c)    “Child placement agency” means:
(1)    a local department; or
(2)    a private agency that is licensed by the Social Services Administration of the Department under § 5–507 of this title, or by a comparable governmental unit of another state, to place children.
(d)    “Crime of violence”:
(1)    has the meaning stated in § 14–101 of the Criminal Law Article; or
(2)    as to a crime committed in another state, means a crime that, if committed in this State, would be a crime of violence as defined in § 14–101 of the Criminal Law Article.
(e)    “Department” means the State Department of Human Services.
(f)    “Disability” means:
(1)    alcohol dependence, as defined in § 8–101 of the Health – General Article;
(2)    drug dependence, as defined in § 8–101 of the Health – General Article;
(3)    a mental disorder, as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article; or
(4)    intellectual disability, as defined in § 7–101 of the Health – General Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 2 - Parent and Child › Section 5-201 - Scope of Subtitle

This subtitle does not affect any law that relates to the appointment of a third person as guardian of the person of a minor child because:
(1)    the child’s parents are unsuitable; or
(2)    the child’s interest would be affected adversely if the child remains under the natural guardianship of either of the child’s parents.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Family Law › Title 5 - Children › Subtitle 2 - Parent and Child › Section 5-202 - Child of Void Marriage

When a criminal or equity court of this State annuls a marriage, or when an equity court of this State decrees an absolute divorce for a reason that makes the marriage void ab initio, the court in the decree shall declare each child of the marriage to be a legitimate child of the parties to the marriage.