Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 2-207

Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 2-207 - Recording military discharge papers
(a) For purposes of this section, "person in interest" has the meaning stated in § 4-101(g) of the General Provisions Article.
(b) The clerk of the circuit court of each county shall keep a book or electronic record and record and index in the book or electronic record the discharge papers of any person who:
(1) At any time has served in the uniformed services of the United States; and
(2) Presents the discharge papers of the person for recording.
(c) A clerk may not charge a fee for recording or indexing discharge papers.
(d) The record kept by the clerk, or a certified copy of the record, is admissible in evidence in any court in the State.
(e)
(1) A clerk shall deny inspection of the book or electronic record, and the record and index in the book or electronic record, described in this section except:
(i) To a party in a civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding in a federal or state court or government agency, or the party's attorney, who presents evidence satisfactory to the clerk that the inspection is related to admitting the record or a certified copy of the record in evidence in the proceeding;
(ii) To a person in interest;
(iii) In accordance with a subpoena or court order; or
(iv)
1. If the request for inspection is made at least 70 years after the discharge papers were presented for recording; and
2. If the clerk has redacted the Social Security number of the person in interest from any portion of the book or electronic record.

(2) A clerk may provide a certified copy of a record described in this section only:
(i) To a party in a civil, administrative, or criminal proceeding in a federal or state court or government agency, or the party's attorney, who presents evidence satisfactory to the clerk that the certified copy is for the purpose of admission in evidence in the proceeding;
(ii) To a person in interest;
(iii) In accordance with a subpoena or court order; or
(iv) To a relative of the person who is the subject of the discharge papers, if the request for a certified copy is made at least 70 years after the discharge papers were presented for recording.

Md. Code, CJ § 2-207

Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 914,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.
Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 913,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.
Amended by 2014 Md. Laws, Ch. 104, Sec. 2, eff. 10/1/2014.