State Documents Division – Annapolis, MD

Official Keeper of Maryland’s State Regulations

Providing Transparency and Legal Access

The Division of State Documents (DSD), a unit within the Office of the Secretary of State, serves as the primary publisher of Maryland’s official administrative and regulatory documents. Located in the Fred L. Wineland Building on Francis Street (just steps from the State House), this agency plays a crucial role in ensuring that citizens, businesses, and legal professionals have access to the laws that govern them 📜. The DSD is best known for publishing the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), which acts as the permanent compilation of all state agency regulations, and the Maryland Register, a bi-weekly publication that updates the public on proposed rule changes, governor’s executive orders, and procurement notices.

Key Publications and Services

The Division manages a complex workflow to codify and disseminate state information:

• COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations): The official text of state regulations, covering everything from environmental standards to health department protocols.
• Maryland Register: The official journal of state government, essential for tracking new and proposed regulations, hearing notices, and bid opportunities.
• Online Access: Maintains robust digital platforms allowing free public searching of regulations and state documents.
• Authentication: Provides certified copies of regulations for legal use in court proceedings ⚖️.

Office Operations and Public Interaction

While much of the Division’s work is backend legal publishing, they provide customer support for subscribers and those needing assistance with regulatory research. The office ensures that the text of regulations is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible in both print and digital formats. By standardizing how state agencies publish their rules, the DSD maintains the integrity of Maryland’s administrative law system 🏛️. It is important to note that while the input data mentioned Bladen Street, the Division is physically housed in the Wineland Building on Francis Street.