PUBLIC LAW 96-296—JULY 1, 1980 decision is required for the timely execution of the Commission's functions. If the requirement for an initial decision is waived, a final decision shall be issued in writing within the time limit established for the issuance of the initial decision under subsection (b) of this section. "(d) In a proceeding under this section in which the parties have had at least an opportunity to submit evidence in written form, such parties shall have an opportunity to present arguments to the initial decisionmaker. The decisionmaker shall determine whether the arguments should be presented orally or in writing and may require that written arguments be submitted simultaneously with written submissions of evidence and that oral arguments be presented at an oral hearing. Upon issuance of an initial decision under this section, copies of such decision shall be served on the parties and submitted to the Commission. "(e) An initial decision under this section becomes a final decision on the 20th day after it is served on the interested parties, unless— "(1) an interested party files an appeal during the 20-day period or, if authorized by the Commission or division designated by the Commission, by the end of an additional period of not more than 20 days; or "(2) the Commission stays or postpones under subsection (f)(1) of this section the initial decision not later than the 20th day following the date it is served on the parties. "(f)(1) Before an initial decision under this section becomes a final decision, the Commission or a division or an employee board designated by the Commission, may review the initigd decision on its own initiative and shall review an initial decision if a timely appeal is filed under subsection (e) of this section. "(2) An initial decision may be reviewed on the record on which it is based or by a further hearing. If an initial decision is reviewed, it shall be stayed pending final determination of the matter and it becomes a final decision only after the final determination is made. If a timely appeal is filed under subsection (e) of this section, the final determination shall be made not later than the 50th day after the appeal is filed. If an initial decision under this section is reviewed by the Commission or a division or an employee board designated by the Commission on its own initiative, the final decision shall be made not later than the 50th day after initiation of such review. "(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, if an initial decision under this section is reviewed by further hearing, such review shall be completed, and a final decision made, not later than the 120th day following the date the further hearing is granted. "(4) Review of, or appeal from, an initial decision under this section shall be conducted under section 557 of title 5. The Commission may prescribe rules limiting and defining the issues and pleadings on review under subsection (b) of such section. "(g)(1) The Commission may, at any time on its own initiative because of material error, new evidence, or substantially changed circumstances— "(A) reopen a proceeding; "(B) grant rehearing, reargument, or reconsideration of an action of the Commission; and "(C) change an action of the Commission.
94 STAT. 817
Initial decisions.
Final decision review.
Appeals.
Commission action, proceeding reopening and reconsideration.
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