Under COMAR, what is a "proposed regulation"?

A "proposed regulation" refers to a regulation that is put forward for public review and comment prior to its finalization. This process allows stakeholders, including citizens and affected parties, to provide input on the regulation, raising concerns, suggestions, or support. The essence of this stage is to ensure transparency and participatory governance, as it gives the public a chance to influence the regulatory framework before any rules are officially adopted.

Finalized regulations are those that have completed the proposed stage and have been enacted into law, making them enforceable. Regulations already in effect have gone through the proposed phase and have been finalized, which differentiates them from proposed regulations. Similarly, a regulation introduced for legislative consideration pertains to a different process altogether, typically involving legislative bodies rather than regulatory agencies. Thus, the characterization of a "proposed regulation" as one that is subject to public comment captures its role in the regulatory process accurately.