§ 4–505.1
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 4-505.1 (2026)
Title 4. Spouses
Subtitle 5. Domestic Violence
§ 4–505.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Child advocacy center” means a center established under § 11–928 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
(3)
“File electronically” means to send, communicate, receive, or store by electronic means.
(4)
“Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article.
(5)
“Vulnerable adult program” means:
(i)
a program implemented under § 14–201 of this article; or
(ii)
any program that receives federal or State funding to prevent abuse of or assist vulnerable adults.
(b)
A petitioner may file electronically a petition for a temporary protective order with a court from:
(1)
a domestic violence prevention or assistance program;
(2)
a sexual assault prevention or assistance program;
(3)
a human trafficking prevention or assistance program;
(4)
a child advocacy center;
(5)
a vulnerable adult program;
(6)
a hospital where the petitioner is receiving medical treatment, while the petitioner is at the hospital; or
(7)
another location approved by the court.
(c)
The hospital shall refer the petitioner filing a petition on the grounds of:
(1)
domestic violence:
(i)
to a hospital–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; or
(ii)
if there is not a hospital–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program, to a community–based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; and
(2)
sexual assault to a community–based sexual assault prevention or assistance program.
(d)
A court that receives a petition filed electronically in accordance with this section shall hold a hearing on the petition through the use of video conferencing on:
(1)
the same business day if the petition is filed during regular court hours and the court is open; or
(2)
the next business day the court is open if the petition is not filed during regular court hours.