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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 09.01.03.08" title_num="09" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="03" heading="Proposed Decisions and Orders.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Upon completion of the hearing, the ALJ shall submit a proposed decision to the administrative unit.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The Office of Administrative Hearings may not distribute the proposed decision to the parties or to the public unless the delegation of authority specifically provides for that distribution.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The proposed decision shall comply with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act and COMAR 28.02.01.22, and shall include:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Written findings of fact;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Proposed conclusions of law; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A recommended order.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Within 60 days of receipt of the ALJ's proposed decision, an administrative unit shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Review the ALJ's proposed decision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Issue a proposed order, which may include the ALJ's proposed decision with or without modifications; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Send to the parties the proposed order and a copy of the ALJ's proposed decision in the manner set forth in §G of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>An administrative unit may extend the 60-day period specified in §C of this regulation by a written notice to all parties.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>If the proposed order changes, modifies, or amends the ALJ's proposed decision, the proposed order shall set forth an explanation of the reasons for the changes, modifications, or amendments.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>A proposed order shall be mailed to the parties, or to their attorneys, by first-class mail within 3 business days from the date of the issuance of the order.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>The proposed order or an accompanying letter shall notify the parties that they may file written exceptions with, and present arguments to, the administrative unit.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>If no party files timely exceptions, the proposed order of the administrative unit shall become the final order.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>