Code of Maryland Regulations Title 01 - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
1. Purpose and Authority of COMAR Title 01 – Executive Department
Title 01 of COMAR governs the Executive Department of Maryland, which includes the Governor’s office and related executive offices and agencies. The rules provide structure, procedures, and operational guidance for how executive agencies function under state law.
Key purposes:
Ensure efficient and legal operation of executive offices
Define responsibilities, organization, and authority within the executive branch
Set procedures for administrative actions
Provide standards for records, reporting, and communication
The Executive Department implements laws passed by the Maryland General Assembly.
2. Organization of Title 01
COMAR Title 01 is divided into chapters, each addressing a particular aspect of executive branch operations. Major areas include:
General Provisions
Governor’s Office
Appointments and Personnel Procedures
Administrative Procedures
Records and Public Information
Financial and Contract Management
Boards, Commissions, and Committees
3. General Provisions
This section defines:
Terms such as “agency,” “executive department,” and “administrative action”
The authority of the Governor and executive officers
Procedures for rulemaking, policy adoption, and compliance
How state law interacts with COMAR rules
It ensures all agencies understand the scope of authority and administrative responsibilities.
4. Governor’s Office
Rules in this section describe:
Structure of the Governor’s staff and offices
Duties and responsibilities of key positions, such as Chief of Staff and department heads
Processes for issuing executive orders
Oversight and coordination among state agencies
This ensures that the Governor’s office operates effectively, transparently, and within legal authority.
5. Appointments and Personnel Procedures
The Executive Department sets rules for state personnel management, including:
Hiring and appointments of executive staff
Qualification requirements and background checks
Job classifications, promotions, and performance reviews
Ethics, conflict of interest, and professional conduct
Discipline, termination, and grievance procedures
These rules ensure that executive employees are qualified, accountable, and follow state ethics laws.
6. Administrative Procedures
COMAR Title 01 defines how the Executive Department handles official actions:
Adoption of policies and regulations
Procedures for internal decision-making
Filing, publication, and implementation of rules
Recordkeeping for administrative actions and decisions
This ensures transparency and consistency across all executive agencies.
7. Records and Public Information
Rules require agencies to:
Maintain accurate records of operations, meetings, and decisions
Ensure public access to certain records under Maryland Public Information Law
Follow retention schedules and record destruction procedures
Protect confidential or sensitive information
This balances accountability with privacy.
8. Financial and Contract Management
The Executive Department must comply with state financial rules, including:
Budget preparation and submission
Accounting and reporting requirements
Procurement and contract management
Internal audits and compliance monitoring
These rules prevent misuse of state funds and ensure transparent spending.
9. Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Title 01 also governs state boards and advisory committees within the executive branch:
Appointment procedures
Terms of office
Reporting requirements
Meeting procedures and public participation rules
This ensures advisory bodies operate effectively and follow state law.
10. Compliance and Enforcement
Agencies and officials must:
Follow all rules in COMAR Title 01
Cooperate with oversight audits and investigations
Correct violations or procedural errors promptly
Face consequences such as administrative review, reprimand, or removal from office for serious violations
11. Summary
COMAR Title 01 – Executive Department provides a framework for the legal and effective operation of Maryland’s executive branch.
It covers:
Executive organization and responsibilities
Personnel and ethics rules
Administrative procedures and decision-making
Recordkeeping and transparency
Financial management
Oversight of boards, commissions, and committees
Following these rules ensures that Maryland’s executive government operates efficiently, ethically, and in accordance with the law.
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