2154                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                Ch. 778

concerning the operation of the unit and the collection
of delinquent accounts and debts. The collection unit
may compromise, adjust and settle such accounts or debts
without suit, if, in its judgment it is feasible and
desirable to do so.

SECTION 6. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Sections
66B(b), 66C, 66G, 66H(a) , 66-I, and 66J (c) of Article 16
- Chancery, of the Annotated Code of Maryland (1973
Replacement Volume and 1975 Supplement) be and they are
hereby repealed and reenacted, with amendments, to read
as follows:

Article 16 - Chancery

66B.

(b) [No] A bill or petition [shall] MAY NOT be
filed or received by the clerk of the court [unless there
is attached thereto] IF the consent or authorization of
the State's attorney [of] FOR the county or city where
the same is to be filed[,] IS NOT ATTACHED unless [the]:

(1)    THE court directs otherwise after being
satisfied by such affidavits and testimony as the court
deems sufficient that the complaint is bona fide and
meritorious[ . ]; OR

(2)    THE BILL OR PETITION IS FILED ON BEHALF
OF THE DIVISION OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT OF THE
SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.

66C.

(A)    If the complainant or petitioner is [a public
welfare official or if any other complainant or
petitioner makes oath that he or she is without funds to
obtain private counsel, it is the duty of the State's
attorney of the county or city where the bill or petition
is filed to act on behalf of the complainant or
petitioner without charge and in such cases no
prepayment] THE DIVISION OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT OF
THE SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION OR A PERSON WHOM THE
DIVISION APPROVES FOR CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES, THE
COMPLAINANT OR PETITIONER SHALL BE REPRESENTED AS
PROVIDED IN ARTICLE 88A, §59(D). WHEN, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THAT SUBSECTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR LEGAL
OFFICER REPRESENTS THE COMPLAINANT OR PETITIONER, HE
SHALL HAVE THE SAME AUTHORITY AND POWERS GRANTED TO THE
STATE'S ATTORNEY UNDER §§66D AND 66L OF THIS SUBTITLE.

(B)    PREPAYMENT of court costs [shall] MAY NOT be
required OF SUCH PETITIONERS.

66G.

The court, upon motion of the defendant alleged to
be the putative father[,] or upon its own motion, shall