What is the role of the Secretary of State in Maryland notary practice?

• A. Issues birth certificates.
• B. Appoints notaries, enforces rules, maintains records, and handles disciplinary actions.
• C. Conducts notaries' legal consultations.
• D. Sets tax rates for notary fees.

Answer: (B)

In Maryland, the Secretary of State oversees the entire notary system. This includes issuing commissions to qualified individuals who want to act as notaries, enforcing the laws and rules that govern notaries, keeping the official registry of who is commissioned and when their commission expires, and handling disciplinary actions when a notary violates the rules or acts improperly. This centralized oversight ensures that notaries across the state operate under consistent standards and are accountable for their conduct. The other options don’t fit because birth certificates are issued by the Department of Health, notaries do not provide general legal consultations, and setting tax rates for notary services isn’t a responsibility of the Secretary of State.