Sec.4-61dd-12. Powers and duties of presiding officer

(a) The presiding officer shall control all proceedings to ensure a fair and impartial hearing, ensure that the relevant facts are fully elicited, adjudicate issues of law and fact, and prevent delay and harassment. In addition to any other powers provided by law, the presiding officer shall have the power to:

(1) Determine the scope of the hearing;

(2) Rule on requests and motions;

(3) Make all necessary or appropriate rulings with regard to evidentiary matters;

(4) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(5) Issue subpoenas and compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses for the purposes of providing testimony or producing physical evidence;

(6) Examine witnesses and control the examination of witnesses;

(7) Consolidate proceedings or portions thereof; and

(8) Issue a final decision and order.

(b) The presiding officer may, on his own or upon motion by a party, continue a hearing or conference from day to day or adjourn it to a later date or to a different place by announcement thereof at the hearing or by other appropriate notice. Such notice shall be posted on the door of the hearing room if the change is made within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled hearing.

(Adopted effective April 23, 2003; Amended December 30, 2008)