Section 2605.400  Proposal for Decision

Except where otherwise expressly provided by law, when in a contested case a majority of the officials of the Department who are to render the Final Decision has not heard the case or read the record, the Final Decision, if adverse to a party to the proceeding other than the Department, shall not be made until a Proposal for Decision is served upon the parties and an opportunity is afforded to each party adversely affected to file exceptions and to present a brief, and if the Department so permits, oral argument to the Department officials who are to render the Final Decision.  The Proposal for Decision shall contain a statement of the reasons therefor and of each issue of fact or law necessary to the proposed decision and shall be prepared by the persons who conducted the Hearing or one who has read the record. [5 ILCS 100/10-45]