In this blog and associated video we go inside the Maryland Law books to see what the Law says.
First, we dig into the Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 4-102. Deadly weapons on school property, which you can find here:
Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 4-102. Deadly weapons on school property tells us that there no one can carry firearms on PUBLIC school property except the following exceptions:
(a) Exceptions. -- This section does not apply to:(1) a law enforcement officer in the regular course of the officer's duty; (2) an off-duty law enforcement officer or a person who has retired as a law enforcement officer in good standing from a law enforcement agency of the United States, the State, or a local unit in the State who is a parent, guardian, or visitor of a student attending a school located on the public school property, provided that:
(i) the officer or retired officer is displaying the officer's or retired officer's badge or credential; (ii) the weapon carried or possessed by the officer or retired officer is concealed; and (iii) the officer or retired officer is authorized to carry a concealed handgun in the State; (3) a person hired by a county board of education specifically for the purpose of guarding public school property; (4) a person engaged in organized shooting activity for educational purposes; or (5) a person who, with a written invitation from the school principal, displays or engages in a historical demonstration using a weapon or a replica of a weapon for educational purposes.
(b) Prohibited. -- A person may not carry or possess a firearm, knife, or deadly weapon of any kind on public school property.
(c) Penalty. --
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both. (2) A person who is convicted of carrying or possessing a handgun in violation of this section shall be sentenced under Subtitle 2 of this title.
What this does not cover is PRIVATE Schools.
Private schools are not bound by the same codes that apply to the public sector.
Private schools are considered private property, and the private property owner has the ultimate decision whether or not firearms are allowed on said property.
What this does cover is Public Universities.
As with public K-12 schools, Maryland Public Universities are covered by the same codes.
Why this matters?
This is very important to us as LEGAL firearms owners because we need to fully understand where and when we can legally carry our firearms. We do not want to see any lawful person end up in jail because they did not know or understand the laws put in place by our government.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure if you can legally carry, do yourself a favor and call the black phone number on your US Law Shield card to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. If you do not have a US Law Shield membership, get one for FREE here when you join us https://www.ptpgun.com/plans-pricing. Or, try to save some money using our code PTPGUN here: https://www.ptpgun.com/us-lawshield
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As always,
Learn. Defend. Prevail.