HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2181

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language added to
avoid repetition of phrases such as "parent destitute
of means of subsistence and unable either by reason of
old age, infirmity, or illness, to support himself or
herself".

13-102. PROHIBITED ACTS; PENALTIES.

(A)  DUTY TO SUPPORT DESTITUTE PARENT.

IF A DESTITUTE PARENT IS IN THIS STATE AND HAS AN ADULT
CHILD WHO HAS OR IS ABLE TO EARN SUFFICIENT MEANS, THE ADULT
CHILD MAY NOT NEGLECT OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE THE DESTITUTE PARENT
WITH FOOD, SHELTER, CARE, AND CLOTHING.

(B)  DUTY TO SUPPORT DESTITUTE ADULT CHILD.

IF A DESTITUTE ADULT CHILD IS IN THIS STATE AND HAS A PARENT
WHO HAS OR IS ABLE TO EARN SUFFICIENT MEANS, THE PARENT MAY NOT
NEGLECT OR REFUSE TO PROVIDE THE DESTITUTE ADULT CHILD WITH FOOD,
SHELTER, CARE, AND CLOTHING.

(C)  PENALTIES.

A PERSON WHO VIOLATES ANY PROVISION OF THIS SECTION IS
GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ON CONVICTION IS SUBJECT TO A FINE
NOT EXCEEDING $1,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 1 YEAR, OR
BOTH.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived
without substantive change from former Article 27, §§
97 and 104.

In subsection (a) of this section, "adult child" is
substituted for the former word "person", for clarity.

In subsection (b) of this section, the phrase "in this
State" is new language added to conform to subsection
(a) of this section.

Also in subsection (b) of this section, "parent" is
substituted for the former word "person", for clarity.

As to subsection (c) of this section, former Article
27, § 104 provided for a maximum fine of $500 or
imprisonment in the House of Correction for not more
than 1 year, or both, for the failure of an adult
child to support the adult child's destitute parent,
while former Article 27, § 97 provided a maximum fine
of $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or
both, for the failure of a parent to support the
parent's destitute adult child. Subsection (c) of
this section is revised to provide a standard penalty
of a maximum fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for not