1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Agent” means a person that acts or is authorized to act as the representative of a bail bondsman.

   3. (3)

      1. (i) “Bail bondsman” means a licensed limited surety agent or a licensed professional bail bondsman.
      2. (ii) “Bail bondsman” does not include a person that contracts with a public agency to provide bail bonds to persons detained in a correctional facility.

2. (b) On the grounds of a courthouse or correctional facility, a bail bondsman, an agent of a bail bondsman, an employee of the courthouse, or an employee of a correctional facility may not:

   1. (1) approach, entice, or invite a person to use the services of a specific bail bondsman;
   2. (2) distribute, display, or wear an item that advertises the services of a bail bondsman; or
   3. (3) otherwise solicit business as a bail bondsman.

3. (c) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

   1. (1) a fine not exceeding $2,500, and if licensed in accordance with the Insurance Article, a 30-day license suspension for a first offense; and
   2. (2) a fine not exceeding $5,000, and if licensed in accordance with the Insurance Article, a 90-day license suspension for a subsequent offense.
4. (d) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (b) of this section shall be referred to the Insurance Commissioner for appropriate action.

Added by Acts 2001, c. 10, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2012, c. 383, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012.

Formerly Art. 27, § 616 ½ A.