(a) (1) In the case of a single decision maker, if the final decision maker in a contested case has not personally presided over the hearing, the final decision may not be made until each party is given notice of the proposed decision in accordance with § 10-220 of this subtitle and an opportunity to:
(i) file exceptions with the agency to the proposed decision; and
(ii) present argument to the final decision maker that the proposed decision should be affirmed, reversed, or remanded.
(2) In the case of a decision-making body, if a majority of the officials who are to make a final decision in a contested case have not personally presided over the hearing, the officials may not make the final decision until each party is given notice of the proposed decision in accordance with § 10-220 of this subtitle and an opportunity to:
(i) file exceptions to the proposed decision with the agency; and
(ii) present argument to a majority of the officials who are to make the final decision.
(3) If a party files exceptions or presents argument under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, the official or officials who are to make the final decision shall:
(i) personally consider each part of the record that a party cites in its exceptions or arguments before making a final decision; and
(ii) except as otherwise provided by law or by agreement of the parties, make the final decision within 90 days after the exceptions are filed or the argument is presented, whichever is later.
(b) The final decision shall identify any changes, modifications, or amendments to the proposed decision and the reasons for the changes, modifications, or amendments.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 10 - Governmental Procedures
Subtitle 2 - Administrative Procedure Act -- Contested Cases
Section 10-201 - Declaration of Policy
Section 10-203 - Scope of Subtitle
Section 10-204 - Political Subdivisions and Instrumentalities
Section 10-205 - Delegation of Hearing Authority
Section 10-206 - Procedural Regulations
Section 10-206.1 - Legal Practice
Section 10-207 - Notice of Agency Action
Section 10-208 - Notice of Hearing
Section 10-209 - Notice Mailed to Address of Licensee
Section 10-211 - Hearings Conducted by Electronic Means
Section 10-212 - Open Hearings
Section 10-212.1 - Interpreters
Section 10-214 - Consideration of Other Evidence
Section 10-215 - Transcription of Proceedings; Fees
Section 10-218 - Contents of Record
Section 10-219 - Ex Parte Communications
Section 10-220 - Proposed Decisions and Orders
Section 10-221 - Final Decisions and Orders
Section 10-222 - Judicial Review
Section 10-222.1 - Administrative Orders
Section 10-223 - Appeals to Court of Special Appeals
Section 10-224 - Litigation Expenses for Small Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations