Bill > HB497

This bill modifies the duration and scheduling of protective orders in Maryland family law. Specifically, it extends the period a temporary protective order remains in effect from 7 to 14 days after it is issued, providing more time for the respondent to be served and for a hearing to be scheduled. Furthermore, it mandates that a final protective order hearing, where a judge decides whether to issue a permanent protective order, must now be held no later than 14 days after the temporary protective order is issued, rather than after it is served on the respondent. This change aims to expedite the process of obtaining a final protective order and ensure timely hearings for individuals seeking protection from abuse.