Maryland § 2-1702

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 2-1702, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2-1702.

    (a)    A person may not willfully disrupt, interfere with, attempt to disrupt, or attempt to interfere with a session, meeting, or proceeding of the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House or any of their committees, by:

        (1)    making, alone or with another person, a noise that tends to be disruptive;

        (2)    using abusive or obscene language;

        (3)    making an obscene gesture;

        (4)    engaging in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior;

        (5)    refusing to comply with the lawful order of the police to disperse; or

        (6)    doing any other disruptive or interfering act.

    (b)    A person may not picket willfully in a building where:

        (1)    the Senate or the House has a chamber;

        (2)    a member of the General Assembly has an official office; or

        (3)    a committee of the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House has an office.

    (c)    A person may not prevent or attempt to prevent, willfully and with force, the performance of a function, power, or duty by a member, officer, or employee of the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House or any of their committees.

    (d)    A person may not:

        (1)    willfully and without legal authority, obtain, withhold, destroy, deface, or alter an official document or record of the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House or any of their committees; or

        (2)    without legal authority, possess, withhold, destroy, or deface real or personal property that the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House or any of their committees owns or uses.

    (e)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to:

            (i)    a law enforcement officer of any state or of the federal government who is carrying out duties of the office; or

            (ii)    a person whom the officer summons to help in making an arrest or in preserving the peace.

        (2)    A person may not willfully bring an assault weapon or other firearm or destructive device, as defined in § 4-501 of the Criminal Law Article, into or have an assault weapon or other firearm or destructive device in a building where:

            (i)    the Senate or the House has a chamber;

            (ii)    a member, officer, or employee of the General Assembly has an official office; or

            (iii)    a committee of the General Assembly, the Senate, or the House has an office.

    (f)    A person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 2-1702

What does Maryland Code § 2-1702 cover?

Section 2-1702 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 2-1702?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 2-1702" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 2-1702 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.