<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 28.02.01.04" title_num="28" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="01" heading="Commencement of Case; Computation of Time; Filing.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Unless otherwise provided for by law, the Office acquires jurisdiction over a matter and a case commences when a person files a transmittal or an initial pleading with the Office:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Pursuant to a delegation of authority under State Government Article, §10-205, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>As otherwise directed by an agency.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Timeliness. An initial pleading is timely when it is filed:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Within the time period specified by relevant law; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If no time period is specified, within 30 days of the date of the notice of contested action.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Computation of Time. Unless otherwise provided by law:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In computing a period of time, the day of the act, event, or default after which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>When computing a period of fewer than 8 days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall not be included.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>When computing a period of time for filing a document at the Office:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The last day shall be included;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or other day on which the Office is not open the entire day during Office business hours, the period runs until the end of the next day on which the Office is open the entire day during Office business hours.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Filing. Unless otherwise provided by law:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An initial pleading is deemed to be filed on the earlier of the date that a request for hearing, along with all required fees, necessary documents, and other information, is postmarked or received by the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Office, if required to be filed with the Office; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Agency, if required to be filed with the agency;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Other pleadings are deemed to be filed on the earliest of the date on which they are:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Addressed to the Office and postmarked;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>With the permission of and in compliance with an order issued by an ALJ, emailed to and received by the Office; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Received by the Office; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Non-postmarked documents delivered or electronically transmitted to the Office after the close of Office business hours are deemed to be filed on the next day on which the Office is open for business.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>