1. (a) In this section, “public safety officer” means:

   1. (1) a police officer;
   2. (2) a paid or volunteer fire fighter;
   3. (3) an emergency medical technician;
   4. (4) a rescue squad member;
   5. (5) the State Fire Marshal; or
   6. (6) a sworn officer of the State Fire Marshal.
2. (b) This section does not prohibit, limit, or interfere with the right of an off-duty public safety officer who is not in uniform from participating in a charitable or other fundraising campaign.

3. (c) A person may not encourage, solicit, or receive contributions of money or any thing of value for, or offer any thing for sale in, a charitable or other fundraising campaign by representing to the public that the charitable or other fundraising campaign is approved by:

   1. (1) a police or fire department in the State without the prior written consent of the chief administrative officer of the police or fire department or from the chief administrative officer's designee; or
   2. (2) a public safety officer or member of the family of a public safety officer without the prior written consent of the public safety officer or a family member of the public safety officer.
4. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both for each violation.

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

Formerly Art. 27, § 233A.