1. Rules. The commissioner may, with the advice and consent of the advisory council and in conformity with Title 5, Part 18, and except as otherwise provided, adopt, amend and repeal reasonable rules, including emergency rules, necessary for the proper administration, implementation, enforcement and interpretation of any provision of law that the commissioner is charged with the duty of administering. These rules duly adopted have the full force and effect of law and are effective upon filing with the Secretary of State, unless a later date is required by statute or specified in the rule.

2. Filing of rules. The commissioner may file certified copies of all rules adopted by the commissioner and any and all amendments to the rules with the clerks of the District Court and Superior Court. These certified copies are considered official publications of the State for all purposes, including, but not limited to, the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 44(a)(1) and the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 902 (5), and judicial notice must be taken accordingly. A facsimile of the signature of the commissioner imprinted by or at the commissioner’s discretion upon any such certificate of true copy has the same validity as the commissioner’s written signature.