Maryland § 4-512.1

§ 4-512.1.

    (a)    In this section, “Central Repository” means the Domestic Violence Central Repository.

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

    (c)    (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)    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.