HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2553

(b)  (1) The court that issues an order under this subtitle
may:

(i) direct immediate service of the order; and

(ii) reissue the order until service is
effected.

(2) [The] EXCEPT IN A CASE OF ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE,
THE court that issues an order under this subtitle may not
reissue the order more than 15 days after the date of- the
petitioner's initial appearance.

(c)  Return of service shall be filed with the court.
4-509.

(a)  (1) The fact that a petitioner leaves the family home
to avoid further abuse does not affect the petitioner's right to
relief under this subtitle.

(2) IN A CASE OF ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE, THE FACT THAT A
CHILD IS REMOVED FROM THE FAMILY HOME TO AVOID FURTHER ABUSE DOES
NOT AFFECT THE CHILD'S RIGHT TO RELIEF UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.

(b)  By proceeding under this subtitle, a petitioner,
INCLUDING A PETITIONER WHO ACTS ON BEHALF OF A CHILD, is not
limited or precluded from pursuing any other legal remedy.

4-510.

A person who violates an order to vacate the family home
under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction
is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not
exceeding 60 days or both.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
be construed only prospectively and may not be applied or
interpreted to have any effect upon or application to any case of
alleged child abuse occurring prior to the effective date of this
Act.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect June 1, 1985.

Approved May 28, 1985.