(a) The administrative law judge who conducted the hearing, or one who has read the record, shall prepare a written proposal for decision for action by the board of trustees. The proposal for decision shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law, separately stated, and, if appropriate, a proposed order.     
      (b) When a proposal for decision is prepared, a copy of the proposal shall be served forthwith by the State Office of Administrative Hearings on each party or the party's attorney, if any. Unless exceptions to the proposal for decision have been filed within the time prescribed by §101.18 of this title (relating to Filing of Exceptions to Proposal, Briefs, and Replies), the proposal for decision may be adopted at any date thereafter by written order of the board of trustees.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §101.17 adopted to be effective July 27, 1976, 1 TexReg 1929; amended to be effective January 27, 2000, 25 TexReg 389