(a) An administrative law judge after affording a reasonable opportunity for fair hearing, shall, unless the appeal is withdrawn, affirm, reverse, modify, or set aside any determination that is appealed under this article. The claimant, the employer becoming a party to the appeal by submitting a protest or information pursuant to Sections 1326 to 1333, inclusive, of this article, and the director shall be promptly notified in writing of the administrative law judge’s decision, together with reasons for it. The decision shall be final unless, within 30 days after mailing of the decision, further appeal is initiated to the appeals board pursuant to Section 1336. The 30-day limitation may be extended for good cause.
(b) “Good cause,” as used in this section, shall include, but not be limited to, mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect.
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2015.