HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2345

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1980 Replacement Volume and 1980 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

4-501.

(a)  In this subtitle the following words have the
meanings indicated.

(b)  "Abuse" means one or more of the following acts
between household members:

(1)  To cause serious bodily harm;

(2)  To place another in fear of imminent serious
bodily harm; or

(3)  To sexually abuse a child, as defined by
Article 27, § 35A(b)8.

(c)  "Court" means the District Court or a circuit
court in this State.

(d)  "Family home" is the property in this State that:

(1)  Is the principal residence of the household
members; and

(2)  At the time of the proceeding is owned,
rented, or leased by at least one of the household members.

(e)  "Household members" means spouses, [parents, or
minor children who resided together at the time of the act
of abuse.] PERSONS LIVING AS THOUGH THEY WERE SPOUSES,
PARENTS, CHILDREN, OR OTHER PERSONS RELATED TO ONE ANOTHER
BY CONSANGUINITY WHO RESIDE OR HAVE RESIDED TOGETHER AT THE
TIME OF THE ACT OF ABUSE.

(F) "LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY" INCLUDES THE STATE

POLICE, COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS, AND

SHERIFF'S OFFICES, THE USUAL DUTIES OF WHICH INCLUDE THE
MAKING OF ARRESTS.

(C) "LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER" MEANS A PERSON WHO, IN
IS OFFICIAL CAPACITY, IS AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO MAKE ARRESTS
AND WHO IS A MEMBER OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

4-502.

(a) A household member may seek relief by filing a
petition with the court alleging abuse by another household
member.