State Government (GSG) — Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-101 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 3–101LinkCopy Citation
There are a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor of the State, as provided in Article II of the Maryland Constitution.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-102 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 3–102LinkCopy Citation
For the term of office beginning on January 21, 2015, the annual salaries of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are:
(1)
Governor:
(i)
for the first year, $165,000;
(ii)
for the second year, $170,000;
(iii)
for the third year, $175,000; and
(iv)
for the fourth year, $180,000; and
(2)
Lieutenant Governor:
(i)
for the first year, $137,500;
(ii)
for the second year, $141,500;
(iii)
for the third year, $145,500; and
(iv)
for the fourth year, $149,500.
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-201 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–201LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “Governor-elect” means the individual whom the Board of State Canvassers declares to be the successful candidate for Governor after a general election for that office.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-202 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The General Assembly finds that, since a disruption of continuity in the conduct of the affairs of the State government could be detrimental to the safety and welfare of the State and its people, the transfer of executive power, in connection with the expiration of the term of a Governor and the inauguration of another Governor, must be carried out in a manner that ensures continuity.
(b)
The purpose of this subtitle is to promote the orderly transfer of executive power.
(c)
The General Assembly intends that:
(1)
appropriate action be taken to avoid or to minimize any disruption of continuity in the conduct of the affairs of the State government; and
(2)
in addition to the specific provisions of this subtitle, each State officer, in conducting the affairs of the State government:
(i)
consider the problems that result from a transfer of executive power;
(ii)
take appropriate and lawful action to avoid or to minimize any disruption; and
(iii)
otherwise promote an orderly transfer of executive power.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-203 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–203LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle does not apply if the Governor-elect is the incumbent Governor.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-204 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
To inform career civil servants about program goals and new policies and to establish communication with the administration of the incumbent Governor, the Governor–elect may circulate questionnaires or otherwise obtain information from the administration.
(b)
The Governor–elect may ask any question that will help to carry out the purpose of this subtitle, including a question that is intended to obtain:
(1)
a description of a program;
(2)
a recommendation and justification for expansion, limitation, or elimination of a service;
(3)
a projection of future developments or needs in a program;
(4)
a recommendation for an administrative change;
(5)
a comment on anticipated federal developments that might affect a program or the State budget; or
(6)
an elaboration of procedural details.
(c)
The incumbent Governor shall direct that all official documents, vital information, and procedural manuals are to be made available to the Governor–elect.
(d)
The Governor–elect shall consult with the State Ethics Commission to begin the process of establishing a certified blind trust or divesting of private interests in accordance with § 5–501.1 of the General Provisions Article.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-205 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Secretary of Budget and Management shall provide to a Governor-elect:
(1)
the information requested by the Governor-elect that is the basis for the proposed budget to be submitted by the Governor-elect for the next fiscal year; and
(2)
after completion of the proposed budget:
(i)
a copy of the proposed budget; and
(ii)
all facilities that the Governor-elect reasonably needs to become familiar with the proposed budget.
(b)
(1)
After the Governor-elect reviews the proposed budget, the Governor-elect may prepare proposed additions and other changes.
(2)
The Secretary of Budget and Management shall:
(i)
on request of the Governor-elect, help prepare the proposed changes;
(ii)
have printed as many copies of the proposed changes as the Governor-elect requests;
(iii)
on or before the 1st day of the regular session of the General Assembly, compile a summary of the proposed changes; and
(iv)
on request of the Governor-elect, distribute the copies of the proposed changes to the appropriate agencies and officials.
(c)
Immediately following the meeting of the Board of State Canvassers, the Governor-elect may call upon any unit of the Executive Branch to assist in developing the Governor-elect’s budget for the next ensuing fiscal year.
(d)
The initial preparation of the budget shall be at the direction of the incumbent Governor. The preparation of the final budget shall be at the direction of the Governor-elect who shall submit it to the General Assembly as provided by Article III, § 52 of the Maryland Constitution.
(e)
The Governor whose term is ending may not submit a proposed budget to the General Assembly.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-206 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–206LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Any State employee may be assigned to the office staff of the Governor-elect.
(2)
During that assignment, the employee:
(i)
is responsible only to the Governor-elect for the performance of duties;
(ii)
is entitled to the compensation provided by law for the regular employment of the employee; and
(iii)
retains the rights and privileges of that employment.
(b)
(1)
In addition to any State employee assigned under subsection (a) of this section, a Governor-elect may appoint other office staff.
(2)
An individual who is appointed under this subsection is not a regular employee of the State government.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-207 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–207LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to the limitation in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of General Services may provide any necessary facility or service that a Governor-elect requests for use in preparing to assume the duties of office, including the facilities and services set forth in this section.
(2)
The Secretary of General Services may not pay any obligation for the provision of facilities or services that a Governor-elect incurs on or before the date of the general election for the office of Governor.
(b)
After consultation with a Governor-elect, the Secretary of General Services may provide office space that is suitable and has appropriate supplies and furnishings.
(c)
The Secretary of General Services may authorize:
(1)
payment of any expenses for services of consultants for the Governor-elect;
(2)
reimbursement of a unit of the State government whose employee is assigned to the office staff of the Governor-elect;
(3)
payment of the compensation that the Governor-elect sets for other staff; and
(4)
payment of appropriate subsistence allowances and other travel expenses, including the rental of motor vehicles, that the Governor-elect finds necessary for individuals who are employed intermittently or serve without compensation.
(d)
The Secretary of General Services may:
(1)
provide the communication services that the Governor-elect finds necessary;
(2)
authorize payment for necessary printing and binding; and
(3)
provide for the conveyance of mail that the Governor-elect sends in connection with preparing to assume the duties of office.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-208 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In each budget bill for a fiscal year in which the term of a Governor expires, the Governor shall include an appropriation, to the Secretary of General Services, of the money needed to carry out the purpose of this subtitle.
(b)
The appropriation under this section may not be more than $50,000.
(c)
If the Governor-elect is the incumbent Governor, the appropriation under this section shall revert to the General Fund of the State.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-209 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 2. Gubernatorial Transitions
§ 3–209LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle may be cited as the “Maryland Gubernatorial Transition Act”.
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-301 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–301LinkCopy Citation
In addition to the powers granted and duties imposed elsewhere, the Governor has the powers and duties set forth in this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-302 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–302LinkCopy Citation
The Governor is the head of the Executive Branch of the State government and, except as otherwise provided by law, shall supervise and direct the officers and units in that Branch.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-303 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Governor is the commander–in–chief of the land and naval militia of the State, except for any part of the militia that is in the active service of the uniformed services.
(b)
(1)
As to the land militia, the Governor may adopt any regulation or issue any order on enlistment, discharge, organization, discipline, training, and equipment that is needed to conform to Title 13 of the Public Safety Article, to the National Defense Act, or to any regulation that is adopted under the National Defense Act.
(2)
As to a naval militia, the Governor may:
(i)
by executive order, organize, arm, and equip the naval militia; and
(ii)
provide for its administration and discipline in a manner that, to the extent practicable, shall conform to federal law.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-304 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–304LinkCopy Citation
The Governor has the emergency powers and duties set forth in:
(1)
Title 14 and § 13-702 of the Public Safety Article;
(2)
§ 18-212.1 of the Health - General Article; and
(3)
any other law.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-305 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–305LinkCopy Citation
The Governor may send to the Legislative Policy Committee a message that recommends legislation or explains a policy of the Governor.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-306 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “governing board” means a board of directors, managers, trustees, or visitors.
(b)
The Governor may appoint 1 or more individuals who are discreet to represent the Governor at a meeting of the governing board of a corporation or institution that receives financial assistance from the State Treasury.
(c)
(1)
An individual appointed under this section may attend any meeting of the governing board.
(2)
At the meeting, the individual may not vote, but may give an opinion on any matter being considered or discussed.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-307 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–307LinkCopy Citation
(a)
On the filing of a complaint against a civil or military officer who may be suspended or removed from office by the Governor, the Governor:
(1)
shall provide to the respondent:
(i)
a copy of the complaint; and
(ii)
notice of the time when the Governor shall hear the complaint;
(2)
may summon any witness to testify concerning the complaint, pay the witness a fee of $1 a day for attending, and reimburse the witness for travel expenses incurred in testifying;
(3)
may designate one or more individuals to attend on the Governor’s behalf any part of any hearing that relates to the establishment of the facts of the complaint; and
(4)
may order either party or the State to pay any costs of the proceeding.
(b)
The Governor, in the same manner as a court of the State, may enforce:
(1)
the attendance of a witness summoned under subsection (a)(2) of this section; or
(2)
an order under subsection (a)(4) of this section for payment of costs by a party or the State.
(c)
If the State is ordered to pay costs under subsection (a)(4) of this section, the Comptroller shall issue a warrant to the Treasurer to pay the costs.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-308 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 3. General Powers and Duties
§ 3–308LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section, “international trade agreement” means a trade agreement between the federal government and a foreign country to which the State, at the request of the federal government, is a party.
(2)
“International trade agreement” does not include a trade agreement between the State and a foreign country to which the federal government is not a party.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, State officials, including the Governor, may not:
(1)
bind the State to the government procurement rules of an international trade agreement; or
(2)
give consent to the federal government to bind the State to the government procurement rules of an international trade agreement.
(c)
The Governor may bind the State or give consent to the federal government to bind the State to the government procurement rules of an international trade agreement only if the General Assembly enacts legislation that explicitly authorizes the Governor to bind the State or give consent to the federal government to bind the State to the government procurement rules of a specific international trade agreement.
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-401 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
§ 3–401LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “executive order” means an order or an amendment or rescission of an order that, over the signature of the Governor:
(1)
proclaims or ends a state of emergency or exercises the authority of the Governor during an emergency, under Title 14, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article or any other provision of law;
(2)
adopts guidelines, rules of conduct, or rules of procedure for:
(i)
State employees;
(ii)
units of the State government; or
(iii)
persons who are under the jurisdiction of those employees or units or who deal with them;
(3)
establishes a unit, including an advisory unit, study unit, or task force; or
(4)
changes the organization of the Executive Branch of the State government.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-402 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
§ 3–402LinkCopy Citation
An executive order that amends another executive order shall show each addition or deletion in the manner shown in a bill in the General Assembly.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-403 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
§ 3–403LinkCopy Citation
An executive order has the effective date set in the executive order.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-404 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
§ 3–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Upon issuance of an executive order, the Governor shall deliver the original or a certified copy of it to the Secretary of State.
(b)
The Secretary of State shall:
(1)
index the executive orders that the Governor delivers under this section;
(2)
keep each executive order during the term of office of the Governor who delivered the executive order, including a consecutive term; and
(3)
then deliver the executive order to the State Archives.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-405 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
§ 3–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Within 10 days after the Governor delivers an executive order to the Secretary of State, the Secretary shall deliver 2 copies of the executive order to the Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services.
(b)
The Secretary of State shall deliver 1 certified copy of each executive order to the Administrator of the Division of State Documents.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 3-406 (2026)
Title 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Subtitle 4. Executive Orders
§ 3–406LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The publisher of the Code of Public General Laws shall codify each executive order that is issued in statutory form under Article II, § 24 of the Maryland Constitution, as statutes are codified.
(b)
(1)
The Executive Director of the Department of Legislative Services shall publish all other executive orders and all proclamations that are required to be published.
(2)
The Executive Director shall:
(i)
to the extent possible, arrange each of these executive orders or proclamations by the article of the Code to which the executive order or proclamation relates; and
(ii)
publish these executive orders and proclamations in a volume.
(c)
(1)
The Executive Director is not required to publish any executive order that has been rescinded or has expired.
(2)
The Executive Director shall establish a procedure to remove from the Code an executive order or proclamation that has been rescinded or has expired.