<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".12" citation="COMAR 14.03.05.12" title_num="14" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="05" heading="Request for Contested Case Hearing.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Who May Request. A request to submit a matter to an administrative hearing as a contested case hearing under this chapter may be made by a:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Respondent upon a Commission determination of probable cause for one or more of the allegations stated in the complaint against the respondent, and the failure of timely conciliation; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Complainant if the Commission determines that one or more allegations contained in the complaint were knowingly false or frivolous when made.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Manner of Request.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A party shall request a contested case hearing by filing a written notice with the Commission within 15 calendar days of notice of the initial findings and recommendations.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The notice shall contain the following information:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A demand that the matter be referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings for a contested case hearing in accordance with State Government Article, §10-205(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Commission, the business entity's representatives, and any other parties;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A reference to State Finance and Procurement Article, §§19-101—19-120, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>A summary of the Commission's findings and recommendations that are being submitted for resolution to the administrative law judge for the contested case hearing.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The requesting party shall immediately serve notice of the request for a contested case hearing upon all other parties.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Failure to Properly Request Hearing.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If a respondent fails to properly request a contested case hearing:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The initial findings and recommendations of the Commission shall become the final administrative decision of the State; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The Commission shall then be authorized to enter any order and to take any action reasonably necessary or convenient to:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Implement remedies under State Finance and Procurement Article, §19-110, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Impose sanctions under State Finance and Procurement Article, §19-111, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Govern the conduct of the parties in the manner described under State Finance and Procurement Article, §19-112, Annotated Code of Maryland, so that the purposes of the commercial nondiscrimination policy are achieved.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If a complainant fails to properly request a contested case hearing regarding a determination that a claim is false or frivolous, the initial findings and recommendations of the Commission shall become the final administrative decision of the State.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>When a Request for Contested Case Hearing Is Not Made.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If a timely contested case hearing is not requested, the Commission may vacate the Commission staff's recommended remedy on written notice to all parties within 5 business days after the time for requesting a contested case hearing has expired.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>In the absence of such notice as described in §D(1) of this regulation, the Commission is considered to have approved the Commission staff's recommended remedy.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>