1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
   2. (2) “Custodian” has the meaning stated in § 4-101(d) of the General Provisions Article.
   3. (3) “Public record” has the meaning stated in § 4-101(j) of the General Provisions Article.

2. (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. (1) A resident agent designated under § 1-1301 of the Local Government Article for service on a local entity;
   2. (2) A resident agent designated under § 6-109 of the State Government Article for service on a State agency that is not represented by the Attorney General; or
   3. (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.
3. (c) Service of a subpoena under this section is equivalent to personal service on a custodian of public records.
4. (d) The Supreme Court of Maryland may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Acts 2001, c. 506, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2001. Amended by Acts 2013, c. 136, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2013; Acts 2014, c. 104, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2014; Acts 2015, c. 22, § 5; Acts 2021, c. 82, § 7, eff. Dec. 14, 2022; Acts 2021, c. 83, § 7, eff. Dec. 14, 2022.