1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Active service member” has the meaning stated in § 9-901 of the State Government Article.
   3. (3) “Service member” has the meaning stated in § 9-901 of the State Government Article.

2. (b) A clerk of court shall provide without charge:

   1. (1) A copy of any paper or record in the clerk's office that is requested by a former or active service member, in person, or by the United States government, if the copy is to be used in connection with a claim of the former or active service member against the United States government;
   2. (2) A copy of a marriage record of a former or active service member that is requested by the former or active service member; and
   3. (3) A copy of a marriage record of a former or active service member or of a surviving spouse or child of the former or active service member that is requested, if the copy is to be used in connection with a claim for a dependent or beneficiary of the former or active service member.

Added by Acts 1997, c. 31, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2015, c. 4, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2015; Acts 2025, c. 261, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 262, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.

Formerly Art. 96 ½, § 47.