Opinion ID: 1040113
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Timing of the deputy commissioner’s decision

Text: North Pacific pointed out that the deputy commissioner’s decision was issued 48 days after the hearing officer’s recommended decision. North Pacific argued that the passage of 48 days after the issuance of the first recommended decision triggered AS 44.64.060(e), which governs the timing of agency action on decisions issued by -14- 6818 administrative law judges within the Office of Administrative Hearings.13 Alaska Statute 44.64.060(e) requires the final decision maker to take action within 45 days of the administrative law judge’s proposed decision.14 If the final decision maker does not act within 45 days, then the administrative law judge’s proposed decision becomes the final decision.15 The superior court first concluded that AS 44.64.060(e) applies to administrative law judges and not hearing officers under the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.16 The superior court then determined that even if the statute was applicable, the time frame was directory and not mandatory. The superior court further reasoned that “[i]t makes little sense to penalize a party” by requiring it to be bound by the recommended decision, simply because the agency responsible for timely action was tardy and that North Pacific “was not prejudiced in any way by the delay of three additional days.” 13 AS 44.64.060(e) (procedure for hearings in the Office of Administrative Hearings). 14 AS 44.64.060(e)(1)-(5). 15 AS 44.64.060(f). 16 See AS 36.30.627(a) (establishing procedures for appeals “from a decision of the procurement officer of a claim involving a construction contract”); AS 36.30.680 (stating that “a decision by the commissioner of transportation and pub lic facilities involving procurement of construction shall be sent to all parties by personal service or certified mail within 45 days after receipt by the commissioner of transportation and public facilities of the hearing officer’s decision”). -15- 6818