Section 4-208 - Possession of firearm at public demonstration.
§ 4-208. Possession of firearm at public demonstration.
(a) Definitions.-
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) (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.
(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) (i) "Firearm" means a handgun, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or any other firearm, whether loaded or unloaded.
(ii) "Firearm" does not include an antique firearm.
(4) "Handgun" has the meaning stated in § 5-101 of the Public Safety Article.
(5) "Law enforcement officer" means:
(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;
(ii) a park police officer of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission;
(iii) a member of the University of Maryland police force; and
(iv) any military or militia personnel directed by constituted authority to keep law and order.
(6) (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.
(ii) "Public place" is not limited to a place devoted solely to the uses of the public.
(iii) "Public place" includes:
1. the front or immediate area or parking lot of a store, restaurant, tavern, shopping center, or other place of business;
2. a public building, including its grounds and curtilage;
3. a public parking lot;
4. a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way;
5. a public park; and
6. other public grounds.
(b) Prohibited.-
(1) This subsection does not apply to a law enforcement officer.
(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:
(i) the person has been advised by a law enforcement officer that a demonstration is occurring at the public place; and
(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.
(c) Penalty.- 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.
[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 36G(a)(1)-(5), (7), (b), (c); 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2003, ch. 17.]