1. (a) The General Assembly declares that:

   1. (1) the protection and preservation of the home is the keystone of democratic government;
   2. (2) the public health and welfare and the good order of the community require that members of the community enjoy in their homes a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy and, when absent from their homes, carry with them the sense of security inherent in the assurance that they may return to the enjoyment of their homes;
   3. (3) the practice of picketing before or about residences and dwelling places causes emotional disturbance and distress to the occupants;
   4. (4) the purpose of this practice is to harass the occupants of the residences and dwelling places;
   5. (5) without resort to this practice, full opportunity exists, and under the provisions of this article will continue to exist, for the exercise of freedom of speech and other constitutional rights; and
   6. (6) the provisions of this section are necessary in the public interest to avoid the detrimental results described in this subsection.

2. (b) This section does not prohibit:

   1. (1) picketing or assembly in connection with a labor dispute, as defined in § 4-301 of the Labor and Employment Article;
   2. (2) picketing in a lawful manner of a person's home when it is also the person's sole place of business; or
   3. (3) holding a meeting or assembly on any premises commonly used for the discussion of subjects of general public interest.
3. (c) A person may not intentionally assemble with another in a manner that disrupts a person's right to tranquility in the person's home.

4. (d)

   1. (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
   2. (2) Each day on which a violation of this section occurs is a separate violation.

5. (e) In addition to the penalty provided in subsection (d) of this section, a circuit court:

   1. (1) may enjoin conduct proscribed by this section; and
   2. (2) in the proceeding for injunctive relief, may award damages, including punitive damages, against any person found guilty of violating this section.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.

Formerly Art. 27, § 580A.