1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2)

      1. (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.
      2. (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. (3)

      1. (i) “Firearm” means a handgun, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or any other firearm, whether loaded or unloaded.
      2. (ii) “Firearm” does not include an antique firearm.
   4. (4) “Handgun” has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Public Safety Article.

   5. (5) “Law enforcement officer” means:

      1. (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;
      2. (ii) a park police officer of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission;
      3. (iii) a member of the University System of Maryland Police Force; and
      4. (iv) any military or militia personnel directed by constituted authority to keep law and order.

   6. (6)

      1. (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.
      2. (ii) “Public place” is not limited to a place devoted solely to the uses of the public.

      3. (iii) “Public place” includes:

         1. 1. the front or immediate area or parking lot of a store, restaurant, tavern, shopping center, or other place of business;
         2. 2. a public building, including its grounds and curtilage;
         3. 3. a public parking lot;
         4. 4. a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way;
         5. 5. a public park; and
         6. 6. other public grounds.

2. (b)

   1. (1) This subsection does not apply to a law enforcement officer.

   2. (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:

      1. (i) the person has been advised by a law enforcement officer that a demonstration is occurring at the public place; and
      2. (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.
3. (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.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2003, c. 17, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2003; Acts 2016, c. 25, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.

Formerly Art. 27, § 36G.