Abstract. In this paper, we present the preliminary results of an ongoing research activity concerning the temporal management of normative texts in XML format. In particular, four temporal dimensions (publication, validity, efficacy and transaction times) are used to correctly represent the evolution of norms in time and their resulting versioning. Hence, we introduce a multiversion data model based on XML schema and define three basic operators for the management of norm texts. Finally, we describe the architecture of a management system prototype which is being implemented.