What role does the Governor's Office play in COMAR?

The Governor's Office plays a vital role in shaping regulatory priorities and legislative initiatives related to the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). This involvement typically entails outlining the administration's goals and strategies concerning regulations that govern various aspects of state governance. By proposing regulatory priorities, the Governor’s Office can influence the types of regulations that agencies might focus on, thus ensuring alignment with the broader priorities of the state government.

This role does not extend to being the final authority on all regulations. Instead, the agencies within the state government, often with oversight from the legislative branches, typically handle the finalization of regulations. Additionally, while the enforcement of regulations is crucial, it is primarily the responsibility of specialized agencies and not the Governor’s Office. Lastly, public hearings are generally conducted by the regulatory agencies, which are tasked with gathering public input on proposed regulations, rather than the Governor's Office itself.