1. (a) Except by order of court in a proceeding affecting the right of possession, an action for eviction or distress may not be brought against a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage if:

   1. (1) the rent for the premises does not exceed $150 per month; and
   2. (2) the premises are occupied for dwelling purposes by the spouse, children, or other dependents of the person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.

2. (b)

   1. (1) In a proceeding affecting the right of possession:

      1. 2. subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on motion the court shall stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; or
      2. (ii) the court may issue any other order.

      (i)1. on its own initiative the court may stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; and

   2. (2) The court need not stay the action if the court finds that the ability of a tenant to pay the agreed rent was not materially affected because the tenant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.

Added by Acts 2003, c. 5, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2003.