BLAIR LEE III, Acting Governor

2587

certain requirements; providing for the handling of
contested cases generally; prohibiting ex parte
communications in contested cases except under certain
circumstances and generally relating to ex parte
communications; providing that the filing of a petition
does not stay the agencies' decision except under
certain circumstances; eliminating certain reasons for
which the court may reverse or modify the decision of
an agency; clarifying the language; and generally
relating to the Administrative Procedure Act.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article 41 - Governor—Executive and

Administrative Departments
Section 244, 245(c), 246, 248, 250, 251, 252, 254, and

255(e), (f), and (g)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1971 Replacement Volume and 1977 Supplement)

BY adding to

Article 41 — Governor—Executive and

Administrative Departments
Section 250A, 251A, 252A, 254A and 255(c)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1971 Replacement Volume and 1977 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That section(s) of the Annotated Code of Maryland
be repealed, amended, or enacted to read as follows:

Article 41 - Governor—Executive and
Administrative Departments

244-

For the purpose of this subtitle:

(a) "Agency" means any State board, commission,
department or officer authorized by law to make rules or to
adjudicate contested cases, INCLUDING ANY AGENCY CREATED BY

GENERAL LAWS, WHICH OPERATES IN TWO OR MORE POLITICAL

SUBDIVISIONS except those in the legislative or judicial
branches, AND THE GOVERNOR, and except the [Maryland
Parole Commission, the Division of Parole and Probation, the
Workmen's Compensation Commission, the State Accident Fund,
the State Insurance Department of Maryland, the Public
Service Commission, the Employment Security Board and the
State Tax Commission. The Maryland Automobile Insurance
Fund shall not be considered an "agency" within the meaning
of this section as to any matter or action with regard to
which the Insurance Commissioner has made an express,
written finding or determination that compliance with the
provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and/or the
State Documents Law by the Maryland Automobile Fund is