# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 8. Fraud and Related Crimes

### Subtitle 5. Public Fraud

#### Section 8-520

(a) In this section, "public safety officer" means:

  (1) a police officer;

  (2) a paid or volunteer fire fighter;

  (3) an emergency medical technician;

  (4) a rescue squad member;

  (5) the State Fire Marshal; or

  (6) a sworn officer of the State Fire Marshal.

(b) This section does not prohibit, limit, or interfere with the right of an off-duty public safety officer who is not in uniform from participating in a charitable or other fundraising campaign.

(c) A person may not encourage, solicit, or receive contributions of money or any thing of value for, or offer any thing for sale in, a charitable or other fundraising campaign by representing to the public that the charitable or other fundraising campaign is approved by:

  (1) a police or fire department in the State without the prior written consent of the chief administrative officer of the police or fire department or from the chief administrative officer's designee; or

  (2) a public safety officer or member of the family of a public safety officer without the prior written consent of the public safety officer or a family member of the public safety officer.

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both for each violation.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)