Sec.38a-8-51. Procedure concerning added parties

(a) Notice of designation. In the event that the Commissioner grants any petitioner status as a party or intervenor after service of the initial notice of hearing in a contested case, the Commissioner or presiding officer shall give notice thereof to all parties theretofore designated or admitted. The form of the notice shall be a copy of the order of the department naming or admitting such added party and a copy of any petition filed by such added party requesting designation as a party. Service of such notice shall be in the manner provided in these rules.

(b) Public comment. In any hearing on a petition, the Commissioner or the presiding officer may allow interested persons who do not wish to be made parties to present comments either orally or in writing. Such comments shall be made available to all parties and petitioners, and shall be given the same weight as legal argument. The presiding officer may require any such statement to be given under oath or affirmation.

(Effective September 25, 1992; Amended February 1, 2001)