Ch. 9                                       1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

9-106.

The spouse of a person on trial for a crime may not be compelled to testify as an
adverse witness unless the charge involves:

(1)     The abuse of a child under 18; or

(2)     [Assault and battery] ANY CRIMINAL OFFENSE in which the spouse is
a victim [if:

(i) The person on trial was PREVIOUSLY charged with assault and
battery of the spouse within 1 year of the current charge;

(ii) The spouse was sworn to testify at the previous trial; and

(iii) The spouse refused to testify AT THE PREVIOUS TRIAL on the basis
of the provisions of this section].

Article - Family Law

4-504.

[(c) (1) The court may waive or defer in advance the filing fees and costs for a
temporary ex parte order and a protective order on a showing by affidavit that:

(i) the petitioner is indigent; or

(ii) because of the circumstances, the petitioner, otherwise able to pay,
is unable to pay the cost at the time of filing.

(2)     Under these circumstances, the court later may waive costs, or assess
costs against the petitioner or the alleged abuser.

(3)     The filing fee for relief under this subtitle shall be the same for all
petitioners regardless of the court in which they apply.]

(C) THE PETITIONER MAY NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY A FILING FEE OR COSTS
FOR THE ISSUANCE OR SERVICE OF:

(1)     A TEMPORARY EX PARTE ORDER;

(2)     A PROTECTIVE ORDER;
(3)     A WARRANT; OR

(4)     (3) A WITNESS SUBPOENA.

4-506.

(c) (1) If the respondent appears for the protective order hearing, has been
served with the temporary ex parte order, or the court otherwise has personal jurisdiction
over the respondent, the court:

[(1)] (I) may proceed with the protective order hearing; and

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