721—25.30(17A) Appeals and review.

1. 25.30(1)  Proposed decision. Decisions issued by an administrative law judge are proposed decisions. All complaint proceeding decisions must be issued by the state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission, as appropriate. A proposed decision issued by an administrative law judge becomes a final decision if not timely appealed by any party or reviewed by the state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission, as appropriate.
2. 25.30(2)  Appeal by party. Any adversely affected party may appeal a proposed decision to the state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission within 15 days after issuance of the proposed decision.
3. 25.30(3)  Review. The state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission may initiate review of a proposed decision at any time within 15 days following the issuance of such a decision.

4. 25.30(4)  Notice of appeal. An appeal of a proposed decision is initiated by the filing of a timely notice of appeal with the state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission. The notice of appeal must be signed by the appealing party or a representative of that party and contain a certificate of service. The notice shall specify:

   1. a. The parties initiating the appeal;
   2. b. The proposed decision or order which is being appealed;
   3. c. The specific findings or conclusions to which exception is taken and any other exceptions to the decision or order;
   4. d. The relief sought;
   5. e. The grounds for relief.
5. 25.30(5)  Requests to present additional evidence. A party may request the taking of additional evidence only by establishing that the evidence is material, that good cause existed for the failure to present the evidence at the hearing, and that the party has not waived the right to present the evidence. A written request to present additional evidence must be filed with the notice of appeal or, by a nonappealing party, within seven days of service of the notice of appeal. The state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission may remand a proceeding to the administrative law judge for further hearing or may preside at the taking of additional evidence.
6. 25.30(6)  Scheduling. The state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission shall issue a schedule for consideration of the appeal.
7. 25.30(7)  Briefs and arguments. Unless otherwise ordered, within ten days of the notice of appeal or order for review, each appealing party may file exceptions and briefs. Within ten days thereafter, any party may file a responsive brief. Briefs shall cite any applicable legal authority and specify relevant portions of the record in that proceeding. Written requests to present oral argument shall be filed with the briefs. The state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission may resolve the appeal on the briefs or provide an opportunity for oral argument. The state commissioner of elections or voter registration commission may shorten or extend the briefing period, as appropriate.
8. 25.30(8)  Record. The record on appeal or review shall be the entire record made before the administrative law judge.