(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.

(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.

(1) In this subsection, "firearm" means a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, if the county superintendent or the superintendent's designated representative finds that a student has brought a firearm onto school property, the student shall be expelled for a minimum of 1 year.

(3) The county superintendent may specify, on a case by case basis, a shorter period of expulsion or an alternative educational setting, if alternative educational settings have been approved by the county board, for a student who has brought a firearm onto school property.

(4) The State Board shall adopt regulations to implement this subsection.

(1) "Alternative educational setting" means an alternative education program that allows the student to continue the student's education within the public school system and, if in a secondary school, the opportunity to earn credit.

(2) "Expulsion" means at a minimum the removal of a student from the student's regular school program.

(3) "Firearm" means a weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921.

(4) "School property" means buildings, land that surrounds the buildings, and vehicles, that are owned or leased by a local school system.

(5) "Year" means a calendar year of 12 months.

(1) Except as provided in § B(2) of this regulation, if the local superintendent or designee finds that a student has brought a firearm onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity or has possessed a firearm on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, the student shall be expelled for a minimum of 1 year.

(2) The local superintendent may specify in writing, on a case-by-case basis, a shorter period of expulsion or an alternative educational setting, if alternative educational settings have been approved by the local board, for a student who has brought a firearm onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity or has possessed a firearm on school property or at a school-sponsored activity.

(3) Nothing in this regulation applies to a firearm:

(a) That is lawfully stored inside a locked vehicle on school property; or

(b) For activities approved and authorized by the local school system, if the local school system adopts appropriate safeguards to ensure student safety.

(1) Annually by August 1, each local school system shall provide the State Board of Education with a report that includes:

(a) Written certification that the local school system is in compliance with the requirements of this regulation;

(b) A description of the circumstances surrounding any expulsions imposed under State law as required by § B(1) of this regulation;

(c) The number of incidents in which a student brought a firearm onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity or possessed a firearm on school property or at a school-sponsored activity;

(d) The name of the school where each incident took place;

(e) The type of firearm involved;

(f) The disposition of each case, including the number of students:

(i) Expelled from each school, and

(ii) Placed in alternative educational settings; and

(g) A description of alternative educational settings used in compliance with this regulation.

(2) Each local school system shall report each incident in which a student brings a firearm onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity or possesses a firearm on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to the appropriate juvenile justice or criminal enforcement agency.