2094                                        LAWS OF MARYLAND                                     Ch. 296

(6)  AVOID RELITIGATION OF CUSTODY DECISIONS OF OTHER
STATES IN THIS STATE INSOFAR AS FEASIBLE;

(7)  FACILITATE THE ENFORCEMENT OF CUSTODY DECREES OF
OTHER STATES;

(8)  PROMOTE AND EXPAND THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
AND OTHER FORMS OF MUTUAL ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE COURTS OF THIS
STATE AND THOSE OF OTHER STATES CONCERNED WITH THE SAME CHILD;
AND

(9)  MAKE UNIFORM THE LAW OF THOSE STATES WHICH ENACT
IT.

(B) CONSTRUCTION.

THIS SUBTITLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL
PURPOSES STATED IN THIS SECTION.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section formerly appeared as Article
16, § 184.

In subsection (a)(3) of this section, the words "the
child's" are substituted for the former word "his" in
light of Article 40, § 53C of the Code, which calls
for "the use of words that are neutral as to gender".

The only other changes are in style.

Defined terms: "Custody decree" § 9-201
"State" § 1-101

9-203. INTERNATIONAL SCOPE OF SUBTITLE.

THE GENERAL POLICIES OF THIS SUBTITLE EXTEND TO THE
INTERNATIONAL AREA. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBTITLE RELATING TO
THE RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF CUSTODY DECREES OF OTHER
STATES APPLY TO CUSTODY DECREES AND DECREES INVOLVING LEGAL
INSTITUTIONS SIMILAR IN NATURE TO CUSTODY INSTITUTIONS RENDERED
BY APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES OF OTHER NATIONS IF REASONABLE NOTICE
AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD WERE GIVEN TO ALL AFFECTED PERSONS.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section formerly appeared as Article
16, § 205.

No changes are made.

Defined term: "Decree" or "Custody decree" § 9-201

9-204. WHEN COURT HAS JURISDICTION.

(A) GROUNDS FOR JURISDICTION.

A COURT OF THIS STATE WHICH IS COMPETENT TO DECIDE CHILD
CUSTODY MATTERS HAS JURISDICTION TO MAKE A CHILD CUSTODY
DETERMINATION BY INITIAL DECREE OR MODIFICATION DECREE IF: