A new Maryland law co-sponsored by Montgomery County lawmakers will double the maximum length of temporary protective orders from seven to 14 days.
House Bill 497 changes the deadline from seven days after a temporary protective order is served to 14 days after the order is issued. A hearing to determine whether a final protective order should be granted must also be held within 14 days of the temporary order’s issuance.
Under current law, a judge may issue a temporary protective order after finding reasonable grounds to believe that an eligible person has been abused. The order can prohibit the respondent from contacting, threatening or entering the home of the person seeking protection, among other forms of temporary relief.
Montgomery County Delegate David Moon, who represents District 20, co-sponsored the House bill. The Senate version was sponsored by District 16 Senator Sara Love, also of Montgomery County.
The legislation passed the House by a 98-37 vote before the Senate approved an amended version 41-0. The House later concurred with the changes by a 101-31 vote. Governor Wes Moore approved the legislation as Chapter 791 on May 26. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, the change is not expected to materially affect state or local government finances or operations.
