34 CFR 33.38 – Reconsideration of initial decision
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, any party may file a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision within 20 days of receipt of the initial decision. If service was made by mail, receipt is presumed to be five days from the date of mailing in the absence of contrary proof.
(b) Every motion under paragraph (a) of this section must set forth the matters claimed to have been erroneously decided and the nature of the alleged errors. The motion must be accompanied by a supporting brief.
(c) Responses to the motion are allowed only upon request to the ALJ.
(d) No party may file a motion for reconsideration of an initial decision that has been revised in response to a previous motion for reconsideration.
(e) The ALJ may dispose of a motion for reconsideration by denying it or by issuing a revised initial decision.
(f) If the ALJ denies a motion for reconsideration, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the Department head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion, unless the initial decision is timely appealed to the Department head in accordance with § 33.39.
(g) If the ALJ issues a revised initial decision, that decision shall constitute the final decision of the Department head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after it is issued, unless it is timely appealed to the Department head in accordance with § 33.39.