[§454F-4.8]  Decision denying application subject to administrative hearing.  (a)  Within fifteen days following receipt of a decision denying an application, an applicant may petition the commissioner for an administrative hearing that shall be held in accordance with chapter 91 and the rules of the department of commerce and consumer affairs.  If a petition for an administrative hearing is not filed within the time specified, the commissioner's decision denying the application shall become a final decision and order denying the application.

     (b)  Upon the receipt of a petition for an administrative hearing, the commissioner shall assign the petition to a hearings officer for further proceedings pursuant to the rules of the department of commerce and consumer affairs.  The commissioner shall issue a written final decision and order, following the hearings officer's transmittal to the commissioner of the entire record together with the recommended decision, any timely filed exceptions, and any timely filed statements in support of the recommended decision. [L 2011, c 194, pt of §1]