(a) Any party of record, within 15 days after the date of service of a proposal for decision, may file exceptions to the hearings examiner's proposal for decision with the appropriate office, serving copies of such on all other parties.      
        (b) If a party files exceptions, the other parties shall have 15 days after the date of filing to reply.        
          (c) Exceptions and replies shall conform to §101.20 of this title (relating to Filing, Form, and Content of Complaints, Pleadings, and other Documents).          
            (d) Exceptions and replies filed with an office shall be immediately forwarded to the secretary of state.           
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §101.51 adopted to be effective April 7, 1986, 11 TexReg 1508.