In this subtitle, “organization” means an incorporated or unincorporated society, association, organization, lodge, order, fraternal society, beneficial association, fraternal and beneficial society or association, historical, military, or veterans’ organization, labor union, foundation, federation, degree, branch, subordinate lodge, or auxiliary.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an organization may register with the Secretary of State a facsimile, duplicate, or description of its name or insignia, including a badge, motto, button, decoration, charm, emblem, or rosette if the principles and activities of the organization are not repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States or this State. An organization that registers a name or insignia under this subsection may change or cancel the registration by reregistration. The Secretary of State may not register a name or insignia of an organization if the name or insignia is similar to, imitates, or so nearly resembles another name or insignia registered under this section as to be likely to deceive.

The chief executive officer of the organization shall apply for registration under this subtitle on the form that the Secretary of State provides.

Any fees that the Secretary of State establishes for registration, alteration, cancellation, research, and the issuance of certificates under this subtitle shall be as provided by law for similar services. The Secretary of State shall pay fees collected under this subtitle, less administrative costs, into the General Fund of the State.

A registration under this subtitle is for the use, the benefit, and on behalf, of the organization, or a subsidiary or member in the State of the organization.

The Secretary of State shall keep a properly indexed record of registrations granted under this subtitle. The record shall show any altered or canceled registration. The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of registration to each person granted a registration under this subtitle.

A person may not falsely impersonate an officer or member of a uniformed services or patriotic organization, grand or subordinate lodge, or fraternal or sororal society that is chartered or has grand or subordinate lodges in the State. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not wear, or use to obtain aid, assistance, or personal or social recognition from a person in the State, the insignia of a military or patriotic organization, or a lodge or fraternal society that is chartered or has grand or subordinate lodges in the State, unless the person is entitled to use or wear the insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the organization, lodge, or society. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit a person from wearing an insignia of a lodge or society if the person is a parent, sibling, child, or spouse of a member of the lodge or society who is entitled to wear the insignia under this subsection. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $200. A person may not wear willfully, or use to obtain aid or assistance in the State, the insignia of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, or the Disabled American Veterans, unless the person is entitled to use or wear the insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the organization. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to: a fine not exceeding $25; or if payment of the fine is defaulted, imprisonment not exceeding 30 days. A person may not willfully wear, exhibit, display, print, or use the insignia that is registered under this subtitle, unless the person is entitled to use or wear the insignia under the constitution, bylaws, or rules of the organization. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to: a fine not exceeding $100; or if payment of the fine is defaulted, imprisonment not exceeding 60 days.