Approved May 26, 1994.

FOR the purpose of clarifying the bases on which protection against domestic violence
may be sought for a child or vulnerable adult; altering certain requirements relating
to forwarding certain petitions alleging abuse of a child or vulnerable adult and
requiring the forwarding of certain orders; clarifying that adopted individuals are
entitled to protection; clarifying various residency requirements; enabling a court to
extend an ex parte order for a certain time for certain reasons; allowing a protective
order hearing to be continued for certain reasons; specifying that a court may
consider certain support guidelines; altering certain provisions relating to "service of
a protective order; repealing provisions for petitions for modification of protective
orders; continuing the effect of, and providing for the modification and enforcement
of a District Court order after filing of an appeal to a circuit court under certain
circumstances; repealing a prohibition on a certain filing fee; making stylistic
changes; and generally relating to protection against domestic violence.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,                                   

Article - Family Law                                                           

Section 4-501(b), (c), (h)(3), (4), and (5), and (i)(2)(ii)3, 4-504(d)(1) 4-504(d),
4-505(a)(2)(iv) and (vi) and (c)(2), 4-506(b)(2), (d)(4) and (8), and (f),
4-507(b), and 4-508 .                                                   

Annotated Code of Maryland                                                                           

(1991 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Family Law

4-501.                                                                                                                   

(b) (1) "Abuse" means any of the following acts:

(i) an act that causes serious bodily harm;

(ii) an act that places a person eligible for relief in fear of imminent
serious bodily harm;

(iii) battery or assault [and battery];

(iv) rape or sexual offense as defined by Article 27, §§ 462 through
464C or attempted rape or sexual offense; OR                                                           

- 2250 -

Domestic Violence

AN ACT concerning

CHAPTER 469
(Senate Bill 221)

1994 LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 469