Md. Code Regs. 04.05.01.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 04.05.01.08 - Demonstrations and Rallies

A. Demonstrations and rallies may be held during regular business hours.

B. The Secretary or the Chief of the Maryland Capitol Police shall predesignate certain outdoor or indoor areas of the property, traditionally considered public forums, as sites for proposed demonstrations and rallies.

C. An applicant for a demonstration or rally can request any other area on the property and the Secretary or the Chief of the Maryland Capitol Police shall make every effort to accommodate the request, consistent with safety, security, and traffic concerns, and the least disturbance to employees in the performance of their duties, and not preventing the general public from obtaining the government services that are provided on the property.

D. Individuals or groups wishing to hold demonstrations or rallies should apply in writing at least 2 days in advance to the Secretary or the Chief of the Maryland Capitol Police for a permit, unless extraordinary circumstances prevent the applications.

E. Permits are issued at no cost to the applicant on a first-come, first-served basis. The Secretary or the Chief of the Maryland Capitol Police may not refuse to issue a permit based on the:

(1) Subject matter of the demonstration;

(2) Applicant; or

(3) Lateness of the permit application.

F. The Secretary or the Chief of the Maryland Capitol Police shall have discretion only as to matters of scheduling, safety, security, and traffic.

G. The applicant shall designate, by name, at least one individual to be present at the demonstration who will wear an armband or other identifying insignia and be responsible for advising the demonstrators on compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

H. Signs and placards are permitted, but signs and placards mounted on sticks and poles are not permitted.

I. An individual may not have a firearm in the individual's possession within 1,000 feet of a demonstration on the property.

J. An individual may not physically attach or illuminate any banner, sign, or message to any State real property without prior written approval from the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.

K. Except for federal, State, and local government entities or law enforcement services agencies, an individual may not launch, land, or retrieve an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) on any State real property without prior written approval from the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.

L. No person shall intentionally focus, point, or shine any laser beam or high intensity light directly or indirectly onto the eye or eyes of another person or animal, on another person or animal, or onto any State building window in such a manner as would reasonably be expected to annoy, harass, or alarm the person or animal.

Md. Code Regs. 04.05.01.08

Regulation .08 amended effective 48:7 Md. R. 259, eff. 4/5/2021