Sec.46a-54-83a. Powers and duties of the presiding officer

(a) The presiding officer shall have full authority to control the contested case proceeding, to receive motions and other papers, to administer oaths, to admit or to exclude testimony or other evidence and to rule upon all motions and objections. A presiding officer may, on his or her own or upon motion by a party, subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance for the purpose of providing testimony or producing physical evidence or both. Such authority shall vest in the presiding officer upon appointment by the chief human rights referee.

(b) The presiding officer, in the exercise of reasonable discretion, may exclude from the hearing room any witness not testifying, and may exclude from attendance or participation in the proceeding any person who engages in improper conduct during the hearing as provided in section 1-232 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(c) The presiding officer may continue a hearing or conference from day to day or adjourn it to a later date or to a different place by appropriate notice to all parties and intervenors. 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 November 4, 2002)