(a) Designation. An individual who, as of September 30, 2015, was serving as a master or family magistrate shall be designated a magistrate on October 1, 2015. The powers, duties, salary, benefits, and pension of the individual are not affected by the individual's designation as a magistrate. In the discretion of the appointing court, a magistrate assigned to hear juvenile or family law matters may be referred to as a family magistrate.

Committee note: A descriptive title, such as family magistrate, may be used to indicate the subject matter area to which the magistrate is assigned.

(b) Rules of Construction. Rules and statutes in effect as of September 30, 2015 that refer to a master in chancery, master for juvenile causes, family magistrate, or master apply to a magistrate, as appropriate. Statutes and provisions in the Constitution of Maryland in effect as of September 30, 2015 that refer to a magistrate shall not be construed as referring to a magistrate within the meaning of this Rule.

Source: This Rule is new.