# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 6. Personal Jurisdiction, Venue, Process and Practice

### Subtitle 4. Practice in General

#### Section 6-410

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Custodian" has the meaning stated in Sec. 4-101(d) of the General Provisions Article.

  (3) "Public record" has the meaning stated in Sec. 4-101(j) of the General Provisions Article.

(b) If the custodian of public records is not known and cannot be ascertained after a reasonable effort by a party in a legal proceeding, the party may request a court to issue a subpoena for the custodian of public records to be served on:

  (1) A resident agent designated under Sec. 1-1301 of the Local Government Article for service on a local entity;

  (2) A resident agent designated under Sec. 6-109 of the State Government Article for service on a State agency that is not represented by the Attorney General; or

  (3) The Attorney General or an individual designated by the Attorney General as provided under the Maryland Rules for service on a State agency that is represented by the Attorney General.

(c) Service of a subpoena under this section is equivalent to personal service on a custodian of public records.

(d) The Court of Appeals may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)