1. (a) In addition to any other penalty provided by this title, the Department or the court may suspend for a period not exceeding 5 years the hunting license or hunting privileges of a person who is convicted of a State or federal hunting violation.

2. (b) The Department shall adopt regulations:

   1. (1) To implement this section; and
   2. (2) That list the criteria for the suspension of a hunting license or the hunting privileges of a person.

3. (c)

   1. (1) During a period of suspension of a hunting license or the hunting privileges of a person imposed by the Department or the court, the person may not:

      1. (i) Hunt, trap, or pursue game in the State; or
      2. (ii) Purchase or attempt to purchase another hunting license.

   2. (2) The following are grounds for an immediate suspension of a hunting license or hunting privileges:

      1. (i) Knowingly making a false statement in a license application;
      2. (ii) A second conviction for violations occurring on separate days within any 12-month period for violations of State or federal hunting law that are not administrative or minor in nature as determined by the Department;
      3. (iii) Failure to submit a report or report to a checking station as required under this title or by regulation; or
      4. (iv) Failure of a nonresident of the State to appear in court in accordance with a citation issued by a Natural Resources police officer, or to any other process issued by any court of Maryland, for a violation of this title.
   3. (3) A suspension imposed in accordance with this section is in addition to any other penalty authorized under this title.
   4. (4) The Department shall initiate any proceeding to suspend a hunting license or hunting privileges under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection immediately after the time for filing an appeal of the second conviction has passed.

   5. (5)

      1. (i) Before the suspension of a hunting license or hunting privileges under this section, the Department shall notify the licensee or person in writing of the licensee's or person's right to a hearing on request.

      2. (ii) If a licensee or person submits a written request for a hearing to the Department within 30 days after the date that the notice required under this paragraph is mailed, the Department shall:

         1. 1. Hold a hearing after providing at least 10 days' notice to the licensee or person; and
         2. 2. Conduct the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.

      3. (iii) The Department may suspend a hunting license or hunting privileges without a hearing if:

         1. 1. The licensee or person does not submit a written request for a hearing; or
         2. 2. The licensee or person fails to appear for a scheduled hearing for which the Department provided notice.

Added by Acts 2012, c. 698, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2012.