2556

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 738

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED That this Act
shall take effect July 1, 1980.

Approved May 27, 1980.

CHAPTER 739

(Senate Bill 890)

AN ACT concerning

Trespass - Agricultural Land

FOR the purpose of providing that entry upon agricultural
cultivated land is a misdemeanor under certain
conditions; and providing certain penalties.

BY adding to

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

Section 579B

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1976 Replacement Volume and 1979 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

579B.

-A- (A) A PERSON, WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE
OWNER OR AGENT OF THE OWNER, WHO ENTERS UPON ANOTHER'S LAND
WHICH IS DEVOTED TO ACTIVE AGRICULTURAL USE THE CULTIVATED
LAND OF ANOTHER IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ON CONVICTION
MAY BE FINED NOT MORE THAN $500. "CULTIVATED LAND" MEANS
LAND WHICH HAS BEEN CLEARED OF ITS NATURAL VEGETATION AND IS
PRESENTLY PLANTED WITH A CROP OR ORCHARD.

(B) IT IS INTENDED THAT THIS SECTION IS ONLY TO
PROHIBIT ANY WANTON ENTRY UPON CULTIVATED LAND, AND
THEREFORE THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED:

(I)  TO PREVENT PERSONS WHO RESIDE ON CULTIVATED
LAND FROM RECEIVING ANY PERSON WHO SEEKS TO PROVIDE A LAWFUL
SERVICE; OR

(II)  TO APPLY TO PERSONS ENTERING CULTIVATED
LAND UNDER COLOR OF LAW OR COLOR OF TITLE.