What authority grants state agencies the power to create regulations under COMAR?

The authority that grants state agencies the power to create regulations under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) primarily stems from the Maryland General Assembly. The General Assembly is responsible for enacting legislation at the state level, and through this legislative process, it provides the necessary statutory authority for state agencies to develop specific regulations that implement and enforce those laws.

These regulations must align with the legislation passed by the General Assembly, enabling agencies to fulfill their roles effectively. This results in a structured and legal framework that agencies rely on to operate within their designated areas of responsibility. Understanding this dynamic between legislative authority and regulatory power is essential for grasping how COMAR functions within the broader context of state governance.

Other options may pertain to aspects of state governance but do not hold the specific legislative power that the General Assembly possesses in establishing the regulatory framework needed for agencies to create regulations. This distinguishes the General Assembly's role as foundational in the regulatory process under COMAR.