ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 391

words 'Tor a Board of Education Appointed by the Governor". A voter may choose only
one of the methods of selection. If a majority of the votes cast on the question are "For
a Board of Education Elected by the Voters of Cecil County", Sections 6 and 7 of this
Act are of no effect and null and void, but if a majority of the votes cast on the
question is "For a Board of Education Appointed by the Governor", the provisions of
Sections 6 and 7 1 through 5 of this Act shall become effective on the 30th day
following the official canvass of votes for the referendum.

SECTION 9. 7. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to the
provisions of Section 8 6 of this Act, this Act shall take effect October 1, 2003.

SECTION 10. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That subject to the provisions
of Sections 8 and 9 of this Act, Sections 1 through 5 of this Act shall take effect
October 1, 2003. They shall remain effective until the taking effect of Sections 6 and
7 of this Act. If Sections 6 and 7 of this Act take effect, Sections 1 through 5 shall be
abrogated and of no further force and effect.

Approved May 22, 2003.

CHAPTER 391
(Senate Bill 522)

AN ACT concerning

Administrative Procedure Act - Contested Cases - Time Limit for Making

Final Decision

FOR the purpose of requiring the final decision maker in a contested case under the
Administrative Procedure Act to make the final decision within a certain period
of time after exceptions to the proposed decision are filed or arguments are
presented to the final decision maker, except as otherwise provided by law or by
agreement of the parties; providing for the application of this Act; and generally
relating to contested cases under the Administrative Procedure Act.

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article - State Government
Section 10-216
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1999 Replacement Volume and 2002 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - State Government

10-216.

(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

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