1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Residence” includes the yard, grounds, outbuildings, and common areas surrounding a residence.
   3. (3) “Visual surveillance” has the meaning stated in § 3-901 of this title.

2. (b) A person may not follow another in or about a public place, conduct visual surveillance of an area of another's residence where the other has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or maliciously engage in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys the other:

   1. (1) with the intent to harass, alarm, or annoy the other;
   2. (2) after receiving a reasonable warning or request to stop by or on behalf of the other; and
   3. (3) without a legal purpose.

3. (c)

   1. (1) This section does not apply to a peaceable activity intended to express a political view or provide information to others.
   2. (2) This section may not be construed in a manner that infringes on any right guaranteed under the United States Constitution or the Maryland Declaration of Rights.

4. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

   1. (1) for a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; and
   2. (2) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 180 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2011, c. 342, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011; Acts 2025, c. 574, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 575, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.

Formerly Art. 27, § 123.