The Department of the Secretary of State, as established, consists of the Secretary of State, the State Archives and such other state departments and agencies as are by law subject to the direction of the Secretary of State. The secretary shall keep the Secretary of State's office at the seat of government; have the custody of the state seal and preserve all records in that office, at the expense of the State. The Secretary of State may appoint deputy secretaries of state who serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of State. The secretary shall designate one of the deputies as first deputy secretary of state. When a vacancy happens in the office of Secretary of State during the recess of the Legislature, the first deputy secretary of state shall act as Secretary of State until a Secretary of State is elected by the Legislature. That deputy shall take the oath required of the elected Secretary of State and must have the same compensation while performing the duties of the office.   [PL 2025, c. 390, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

The Secretary of State and any deputy secretaries of state must receive such actual traveling expenses incident to the administration of the Department of the Secretary of State as are necessary.   [PL 2025, c. 390, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

The Secretary of State shall collect the legal and usual fees payable to the Secretary of State and shall pay them over immediately to the Treasurer of State.   [PL 2025, c. 390, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]