Maryland Law Doubles Length of Temporary Protective Orders to 14 Days
A new Maryland law, House Bill 497, will double the maximum duration of temporary protective orders from seven to 14 days. This legislation, co-sponsored by Montgomery County Delegate David Moon and Senator Sara Love, was approved by Governor Wes Moore as Chapter 791 on May 26 and is set to take effect on October 1, 2026. Under the existing law, a judge can issue a temporary protective order if there are reasonable grounds to believe an eligible person has been abused. These orders can prohibit the respondent from contacting, threatening, or entering the home of the person seeking protection. The new law also mandates that a hearing to determine whether a final protective order should be granted must be held within 14 days of the temporary order's issuance.
