HARRY HUGHES, Governor

4425

(A)  Whenever any child destitute of means of
subsistence and unable either by reason of mental or
physical infirmity to support himself shall, in writing
under oath filed with a State's attorney (the term State's
attorney as used in this subtitle includes deputy State's
attorney or assistant State's attorney acting under
authority given by the State's attorney) accuse his parent
of being possessed of or able to earn means sufficient to
provide him with necessary shelter, food, care and clothing
and has failed to do so, the State's attorney may require
witnesses other than the parent accused to appear before him
for such examination of witnesses as may be deemed- in the
public interest. After such examination or inquiry the
State's attorney may file an information in the circuit
court of the county for the Criminal Court of Baltimore
City, as the case may be,] against the accused parent
charging him with the offense of nonsupport.

(B)  Nothing in this section, however, shall prevent
the State's attorney, if he sees fit, from submitting any
such nonsupport case to the grand jury, as in other criminal
cases, for such action as it may deem proper, instead of
proceeding by way of information.

99.

The State's attorney may, for the purpose of
facilitating the handling of such cases, issue subpoenas and
summonses requiring the personal attendance of any person,
firm, corporation or association, other than the accused
parent, to give testimony in connection with such
examination or inquiry, or requiring the production of any
and all documentary matter in connection with such
examination or inquiry. The State's attorney may also
administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses and
receive evidence. In the case of disobedience to a subpoena
or summons, or the contumacy of a witness appearing before
him, the State's attorney may invoke the aid of the circuit
court of the county [or the Criminal Court of the City of
Baltimore, as the case may be]; and the court may thereupon
issue an order requiring the person, firm, corporation or
association, to obey the subpoena or summons and to give
testimony and to produce any and all documentary matter
deemed necessary by said court for such investigation or
inquiry. In case any person, firm, corporation or
association refuse to obey such an order of the court after
the same has been served on the witness, such person, firm,
corporation or association shall be deemed in contempt of
court and shall be punished therefor, subject to the right
to appeal as now provided or hereafter regulated.

105.

(A) Whenever any parent destitute of means of
subsistence and unable either by reason of old age,