This chapter is promulgated pursuant to State Government Article, §10-122, Annotated Code of Maryland, for the purpose of establishing procedures by which the public may petition the Department of Commerce for the adoption of regulations. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Department” means the Department of Commerce. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Business Commerce or the Secretary's designee. Any interested person may file a petition with the Secretary requesting the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of any regulation. The petition shall: Be in writing; and Contain: A clear and concise statement of the regulation, amendment, or repeal which is sought; A statement of reasons in support of the proposed regulation change; and The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner. The petition shall be filed with the Secretary for consideration and disposition. The time period for response to a petition begins when the petition is received by the Secretary. Within 60 days after receipt of the petition, the Secretary shall either: Deny the petition in writing, stating the reasons for the denial; or Initiate the procedures for adoption of a regulation. The Department shall maintain a file of all petitions submitted and the responses. This file shall be available for public inspection to the extent permitted by law. Economic Development Article, §2-108; State Government Article, §10-122; Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: August 28, 2006 (33:17 Md. R. 1438)