<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".21" citation="COMAR 02.01.02.21" title_num="02" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="02" heading="Exceptions and Responses.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Filing Exceptions. A party shall file any exceptions to the proposed findings, conclusions, or orders of the Office or other designated person:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In writing;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>With the Agency; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Within 30 days of the date the proposed findings, conclusions, or orders are submitted to the Agency.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Content of Exceptions. In its exceptions, a party shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Identify the proposed finding, conclusion, or order to which exception is being taken;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Specify the basis of the exception;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Set forth the facts and law that support the exception; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>State arguments in their entirety and not by reference to prior filings.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Length of Exceptions. Unless a request is filed with and granted by the Agency, a party may not file exceptions that exceed 50 pages.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Response to Exceptions.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Filing. A party shall file a response to exceptions:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>In writing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>With the Agency; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Within 30 days of filing of the exceptions.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Length. Unless a request is filed with and granted by the Agency, a party may not file a response to exceptions that exceeds 50 pages.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Form of Exceptions and Responses. A party shall file exceptions and responses that conform to Maryland Rule 8-112.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Oral Argument on Exceptions. Upon the request of a party, the Chief shall hear oral argument on exceptions.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Additional Evidence.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Chief may take additional evidence that was not introduced at the time of the hearing, or order that the individual who conducted the hearing take the additional evidence, if a party:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Applies for leave to offer the additional evidence at the time exceptions are filed; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Establishes that:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The evidence is material; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>There was good cause for failure to offer the evidence in the hearing.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Chief, on the Chief's own initiative, may take additional evidence at any time before a final decision is rendered.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>