(a) Any party of record may, within 10 days after service of the administrative law judge's proposal for decision, file with the commissioner exceptions to the proposal for decision. Replies to such exceptions shall be filed within seven days after the date of the filing of exceptions. The administrative law judge may extend the time for filing of exceptions and replies. A request for extension of time within which to file exceptions or replies shall be filed with the administrative law judge and shall be served on all parties of record prior to the expiration of the relevant filing period. The administrative law judge shall rule promptly on requests for extension of time and notify all parties of such ruling.     
      (b) Exceptions and replies to exceptions shall concisely state, with particularity, the evidence, arguments, and legal authority relied upon.     
      (c) Upon the expiration of the time for filing exceptions or replies to exceptions, or after such replies and exceptions have been filed and considered, the administrative law judge's proposal for decision shall be considered by the commissioner, who shall render a decision and issue an order.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §2.21 adopted to be effective January 9, 2003, 28 TexReg 479