2016 Maryland Code
Family Law
Title 4 - Spouses
Subtitle 5 - Domestic Violence
Part II - Household Violence
§ 4-512.1. Domestic Violence Central Repository

(a) "Central Repository" defined. -- In this section, "Central Repository" means the Domestic Violence Central Repository.

(b) Maintenance. -- The Administrative Office of the Courts shall maintain a Domestic Violence Central Repository.

(c) Storing of orders. --

(1) The Central Repository shall store the following domestic violence orders issued in the State:

(i) interim protective orders;

(ii) temporary protective orders;

(iii) final protective orders;

(iv) peace orders issued under Title 3, Subtitle 15 of the Courts Article; and

(v) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, peace orders issued under Title 3, Subtitle 8A of the Courts Article.

(2) A peace order issued under Title 3, Subtitle 8A of the Courts Article shall be stored only during the term of the peace order.

(d) Purpose. -- The purposes of the Central Repository are to:

(1) provide immediate access to domestic violence orders by judges, court personnel, and law enforcement agencies;

(2) improve the courts' ability to respond effectively, promptly, and in a coordinated manner to domestic violence cases;

(3) eliminate conflicting or simultaneous domestic violence orders by improving communication between the District Court and the circuit courts;

(4) enhance the enforceability of domestic violence orders by law enforcement agencies; and

(5) facilitate service of domestic violence orders.