(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) (i) 'Demonstration' means one or more persons demonstrating, picketing, speechmaking, marching, holding a vigil, or engaging in any other similar conduct that involves the communication or expression of views or grievances and that has the effect, intent, or propensity to attract a crowd or onlookers. (ii) 'Demonstration' does not include the casual use of property by visitors or tourists that does not have the intent or propensity to attract a crowd or onlookers. (3) (i) 'Firearm' means a handgun, rifle, shotgun, short–barreled rifle, short–barreled shotgun, or any other firearm, whether loaded or unloaded. (ii) 'Firearm' does not include an antique firearm. (4) 'Handgun' has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of the Public Safety Article. (5) 'Law enforcement officer' means: (i) a member of a police force or other unit of the United States, the State, a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the laws of the United States, the State, a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision; (ii) a n who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the laws of the United States, the State, a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision; (ii) a park police officer of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission; (iii) a member of the University System of Maryland Police Force; and (iv) any military or militia personnel directed by constituted authority to keep law and order. (6) (i) 'Public place' means a place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment, or other lawful purpose. (ii) 'Public place' is not limited to a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. (iii) 'Public place' includes: 1. the front or immediate area or parking lot of a store, restaurant, tavern, shopping center, or other place of business; 2. a public building, including its grounds and curtilage; 3. a public parking lot; 4. a public street, sidewalk, or right–of–way; 5. a public park; and 6. other public grounds. (b) (1) This subsection does not apply to a law enforcement officer. (2) A person may not have a firearm in the person’s possession or on or about the person at a demonstration other public grounds. (b) (1) This subsection does not apply to a law enforcement officer. (2) A person may not have a firearm in the person’s possession or on or about the person at a demonstration in a public place or in a vehicle that is within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place after: (i) the person has been advised by a law enforcement officer that a demonstration is occurring at the public place; and (ii) the person has been ordered by the law enforcement officer to leave the area of the demonstration until the person disposes of the firearm. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Maryland Legal Code