Chapter 183 — Civil Penalties, Administrative Procedures and Rules of State Agencies

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2001 EDITION

183.010 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.020 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

READABILITY OF PUBLIC WRITINGS

183.025 State agency required to prepare public writings in readable form; public input in rulemaking; definitions. (1) Every state agency shall prepare its public writings in language that is as clear and simple as possible.

(2) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of this state that whenever possible the public be involved in the development of public policy by agencies and the drafting of rules. The Legislative Assembly encourages agencies to seek public input to the maximum extent possible before giving notice of intent to adopt, amend or repeal a rule. The agency may appoint an advisory committee that will represent the interests of persons likely to be affected by the rule, or use any other means of obtaining public views that will assist the agency in drafting the rule.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Public writing" means any rule, form, license or notice prepared by a state agency.

(b) "State agency" means any officer, board, commission, department, division or institution in the executive or administrative branch of state government. [Formerly 182.065; 1993 c.729 §4]

183.030 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.040 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.050 [Repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.060 [1957 c.147 §1; repealed by 1969 c.292 §3]

CIVIL PENALTIES

183.090 Civil penalty procedures; notice; hearing; judicial review; exemptions; recording; enforcement. (1) Except as otherwise provided by law, an agency may only impose a civil penalty as provided in this section.

(2) A civil penalty imposed under this section shall become due and payable 10 days after the order imposing the civil penalty becomes final by operation of law or on appeal. A person against whom a civil penalty is to be imposed shall be served with a notice in the form provided in ORS 183.415. Service of the notice shall be accomplished in the manner provided by ORS 183.415.

(3) The person to whom the notice is addressed shall have 20 days from the date of service of the notice provided for in subsection (2) of this section in which to make written application for a hearing. The agency may by rule provide for a longer period of time in which application for a hearing may be made. If no application for a hearing is made within the time allowed, the agency may make a final order imposing the penalty. A final order entered under this subsection need not be delivered or mailed to the person against whom the civil penalty is imposed.

(4) Any person who makes application as provided for in subsection (3) of this section shall be entitled to a hearing. The hearing shall be conducted as a contested case hearing pursuant to the applicable provisions of ORS 183.413 to 183.470.

(5) Judicial review of an order made after a hearing under subsection (4) of this section shall be as provided in ORS 183.480 to 183.497 for judicial review of contested cases.

(6) When an order assessing a civil penalty under this section becomes final by operation of law or on appeal, and the amount of penalty is not paid within 10 days after the order becomes final, the order may be recorded with the county clerk in any county of this state. The clerk shall thereupon record the name of the person incurring the penalty and the amount of the penalty in the County Clerk Lien Record.

(7) This section does not apply to penalties:

(a) Imposed under the tax laws of this state;

(b) Imposed under the provisions of ORS 646.760 or 652.332;

(d) Imposed by the Public Utility Commission.

(8) This section creates no new authority in any agency to impose civil penalties.

(9) This section does not affect:

(a) Any right under any other law that an agency may have to bring an action in a court of this state to recover a civil penalty; or

(b) The ability of an agency to collect a properly imposed civil penalty under the provisions of ORS 305.830.

(10) The notice provided for in subsection (2) of this section may be made part of any other notice served by the agency under ORS 183.415.

(11) Informal disposition of proceedings under this section, whether by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default, may be made at any time.

(12) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, recording an order in the County Clerk Lien Record pursuant to the provisions of this section has the effect provided for in ORS 205.125 and 205.126, and the order may be enforced as provided in ORS 205.125 and 205.126.

(13) As used in this section:

(a) "Agency" has that meaning given in ORS 183.310.

(b) "Civil penalty" includes only those monetary penalties that are specifically denominated as civil penalties by statute. [1991 c.734 §2; 1997 c.387 §3; 2001 c.621 §71]

GENERAL PROVISIONS

183.310 Definitions for ORS 183.310 to 183.550. As used in ORS 183.310 to 183.550:

(1) "Agency" means any state board, commission, department, or division thereof, or officer authorized by law to make rules or to issue orders, except those in the legislative and judicial branches.

(2)(a) "Contested case" means a proceeding before an agency:

(A) In which the individual legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties are required by statute or Constitution to be determined only after an agency hearing at which such specific parties are entitled to appear and be heard;

(B) Where the agency has discretion to suspend or revoke a right or privilege of a person;

(C) For the suspension, revocation or refusal to renew or issue a license where the licensee or applicant for a license demands such hearing; or

(D) Where the agency by rule or order provides for hearings substantially of the character required by ORS 183.415, 183.425, 183.450, 183.460 and 183.470.

(b) "Contested case" does not include proceedings in which an agency decision rests solely on the result of a test.

(3) "Economic effect" means the economic impact on affected businesses by and the costs of compliance, if any, with a rule for businesses, including but not limited to the costs of equipment, supplies, labor and administration.

(4) "License" includes the whole or part of any agency permit, certificate, approval, registration or similar form of permission required by law to pursue any commercial activity, trade, occupation or profession.

(5)(a) "Order" means any agency action expressed orally or in writing directed to a named person or named persons, other than employees, officers or members of an agency. "Order" includes any agency determination or decision issued in connection with a contested case proceeding. "Order" includes:

(A) Agency action under ORS chapter 657 making determination for purposes of unemployment compensation of employees of the state; and

(B) Agency action under ORS chapter 240 which grants, denies, modifies, suspends or revokes any right or privilege of an employee of the state.

(b) "Final order" means final agency action expressed in writing. "Final order" does not include any tentative or preliminary agency declaration or statement that:

(A) Precedes final agency action; or

(B) Does not preclude further agency consideration of the subject matter of the statement or declaration.

(6) "Party" means:

(a) Each person or agency entitled as of right to a hearing before the agency;

(b) Each person or agency named by the agency to be a party; or

(c) Any person requesting to participate before the agency as a party or in a limited party status which the agency determines either has an interest in the outcome of the agency’s proceeding or represents a public interest in such result. The agency’s determination is subject to judicial review in the manner provided by ORS 183.482 after the agency has issued its final order in the proceedings.

(7) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or public or private organization of any character other than an agency.

(8) "Rule" means any agency directive, standard, regulation or statement of general applicability that implements, interprets or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of any agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule, but does not include:

(a) Unless a hearing is required by statute, internal management directives, regulations or statements which do not substantially affect the interests of the public:

(A) Between agencies, or their officers or their employees; or

(B) Within an agency, between its officers or between employees.

(b) Action by agencies directed to other agencies or other units of government which do not substantially affect the interests of the public.

(d) Intra-agency memoranda.

(e) Executive orders of the Governor.

(f) Rules of conduct for persons committed to the physical and legal custody of the Department of Corrections, the violation of which will not result in:

(A) Placement in segregation or isolation status in excess of seven days.

(B) Institutional transfer or other transfer to secure confinement status for disciplinary reasons.

(9) "Small business" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity formed for the purpose of making a profit, which is independently owned and operated from all other businesses and which has 50 or fewer employees. [1957 c.717 §1; 1965 c.285 §78a; 1967 c.419 §32; 1969 c.80 §37a; 1971 c.734 §1; 1973 c.386 §4; 1973 c.621 §1a; 1977 c.374 §1; 1977 c.798 §1; 1979 c.593 §6; 1981 c.755 §1; 1987 c.320 §141; 1987 c.861 §1]

183.315 Application of ORS 183.310 to 183.550 to certain agencies. (1) The provisions of ORS 183.410, 183.415, 183.425, 183.440, 183.450, 183.452, 183.458, 183.460, 183.470 and 183.480 do not apply to local government boundary commissions created pursuant to ORS 199.425 or 199.430, the Department of Revenue, State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation, Department of Consumer and Business Services with respect to its functions under ORS chapters 654 and 656, Psychiatric Security Review Board or State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

(2) ORS 183.310 to 183.550 do not apply with respect to actions of the Governor authorized under ORS chapter 240.

(3) The provisions of ORS 183.410, 183.415, 183.425, 183.440, 183.450, 183.452, 183.458 and 183.460 do not apply to the Employment Appeals Board or the Employment Department.

(4) The Employment Department shall be exempt from the provisions of ORS 183.310 to 183.550 to the extent that a formal finding of the United States Secretary of Labor is made that such provision conflicts with the terms of the federal law, acceptance of which by the state is a condition precedent to continued certification by the United States Secretary of Labor of the state’s law.

(5) The provisions of ORS 183.415 to 183.430, 183.440 to 183.460, 183.470 to 183.485 and 183.490 to 183.500 do not apply to orders issued to persons who:

(a) Have been committed pursuant to ORS 137.124 to the custody of the Department of Corrections or are otherwise confined in a Department of Corrections facility; or

(b) Seek to visit an inmate confined in a Department of Corrections facility.

(6) ORS 183.410, 183.415, 183.425, 183.440, 183.450, 183.460, 183.470 and 183.480 do not apply to the Public Utility Commission.

(7) The provisions of ORS 183.310 to 183.550 do not apply to the suspension, cancellation or termination of an apprenticeship or training agreement under ORS 660.060. [1971 c.734 §19; 1973 c.612 §3; 1973 c.621 §2; 1973 c.694 §1; 1975 c.759 §1; 1977 c.804 §45; 1979 c.593 §7; 1981 c.711 §16; 1987 c.320 §142; 1987 c.373 §21; 1989 c.90 §1; 1997 c.26 §1; 1999 c.448 §6; 1999 c.679 §1]

183.317 [1971 c.734 §187; repealed by 1979 c.593 §34]

183.320 [1957 c.717 §15; repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

ADOPTION OF RULES

183.325 Delegation of rulemaking authority to named officer or employee. Unless otherwise provided by law, an agency may delegate its rulemaking authority to an officer or employee within the agency. A delegation of authority under this section must be made in writing and filed with the Secretary of State before the filing of any rule adopted pursuant to the delegation. A delegation under this section may be made only to one or more named individuals. The delegation of authority shall reflect the name of the authorized individual or individuals, and be signed in acknowledgment by the named individuals. Any officer or employee to whom rulemaking authority is delegated under this section is an "agency" for the purposes of the rulemaking requirements of ORS 183.310 to 183.550. [1979 c.593 §10; 1993 c.729 §1]

183.330 Description of organization; service of order; rules coordinator; effect of not putting order in writing. (1) In addition to other rulemaking requirements imposed by law, each agency shall publish a description of its organization and the methods whereby the public may obtain information or make submissions or requests.

(2) Each state agency that adopts rules shall appoint a rules coordinator and file a copy of that appointment with the Secretary of State. The rules coordinator shall:

(a) Maintain copies of all rules adopted by the agency and be able to provide information to the public about the status of those rules;

(b) Provide information to the public on all rulemaking proceedings of the agency; and

(3) An order shall not be effective as to any person or party unless it is served upon the person or party either personally or by mail. This subsection is not applicable in favor of any person or party who has actual knowledge of the order.

(4) An order is not final until it is reduced to writing. [1957 c.717 §2; 1971 c.734 §4; 1975 c.759 §3; 1979 c.593 §8; 1993 c.729 §2; 2001 c.220 §3]

183.332 Policy statement; conformity of state rules with equivalent federal laws and rules. It is the policy of this state that agencies shall seek to retain and promote the unique identity of Oregon by considering local conditions when an agency adopts policies and rules. However, since there are many federal laws and regulations that apply to activities that are also regulated by the state, it is also the policy of this state that agencies attempt to adopt rules that correspond with equivalent federal laws and rules unless:

(1) There is specific statutory direction to the agency that authorizes the adoption of the rule;

(2) A federal waiver has been granted that authorizes the adoption of the rule;

(3) Local or special conditions exist in this state that warrant a different rule;

(4) The state rule has the effect of clarifying the federal rules, standards, procedures or requirements;

(5) The state rule achieves the goals of the federal and state law with the least impact on public and private resources; or

(6) There is no corresponding federal regulation. [1997 c.602 §2]

183.335 Notice; content; public comment; temporary rule adoption, amendment or suspension; substantial compliance required. (1) Prior to the adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule, the agency shall give notice of its intended action:

(a) In the manner established by rule adopted by the agency under ORS 183.341 (4), which provides a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to be notified of the agency’s proposed action;

(b) In the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 at least 21 days prior to the effective date;

(c) At least 28 days before the effective date, to persons who have requested notice pursuant to subsection (8) of this section; and

(d) At least 49 days before the effective date, to the persons specified in subsection (15) of this section.

(2)(a) The notice required by subsection (1) of this section shall state the subject matter and purpose of the intended action in sufficient detail to inform a person that the person’s interests may be affected, and the time, place and manner in which interested persons may present their views on the intended action.

(b) The agency shall include with the notice of intended action given under subsection (1) of this section:

(A) A citation of the statutory or other legal authority relied upon and bearing upon the promulgation of the rule;

(B) A citation of the statute or other law the rule is intended to implement;

(D) A list of the principal documents, reports or studies, if any, prepared by or relied upon by the agency in considering the need for and in preparing the rule, and a statement of the location at which those documents are available for public inspection. The list may be abbreviated if necessary, and if so abbreviated there shall be identified the location of a complete list;

(E) A statement of fiscal impact identifying state agencies, units of local government and the public which may be economically affected by the adoption, amendment or repeal of the rule and an estimate of that economic impact on state agencies, units of local government and the public. In considering the economic effect of the proposed action on the public, the agency shall utilize available information to project any significant economic effect of that action on businesses which shall include a cost of compliance effect on small businesses affected. For an agency specified in ORS 183.530, the statement of fiscal impact shall also include a housing cost impact statement as described in ORS 183.534; and

(F) If an advisory committee is not appointed under the provisions of ORS 183.025 (2), an explanation as to why no advisory committee was used to assist the agency in drafting the rule.

(c) The Secretary of State may omit the information submitted under paragraph (b) of this subsection from publication in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360.

(d) When providing notice of an intended action under the provisions of subsection (1)(c) of this section, the agency shall provide a copy of the rule that the agency proposes to adopt, amend or repeal, or an explanation of how the person may acquire a copy of the rule. The copy of an amended rule shall show all changes to the rule by bracketing material to be deleted and showing all new material in boldfaced type.

(3)(a) When an agency proposes to adopt, amend or repeal a rule, it shall give interested persons reasonable opportunity to submit data or views. Opportunity for oral hearing shall be granted upon request received from 10 persons or from an association having not less than 10 members before the earliest date that the rule could become effective after the giving of notice pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. An agency holding a hearing upon a request made under this subsection shall give notice of the hearing at least 21 days before the hearing to the person who has requested the hearing, to persons who have requested notice pursuant to subsection (8) of this section and to the persons specified in subsection (15) of this section. The agency shall publish notice of the hearing in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 at least 14 days before the hearing. The agency shall consider fully any written or oral submission.

(b) If an agency is required to conduct an oral hearing under paragraph (a) of this subsection, and the rule for which the hearing is to be conducted applies only to a limited geographical area within this state, or affects only a limited geographical area within this state, the hearing shall be conducted within the geographical area at the place most convenient for the majority of the residents within the geographical area. At least 14 days before a hearing conducted under this paragraph, the agency shall publish notice of the hearing in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 and in a newspaper of general circulation published within the geographical area that is affected by the rule or to which the rule applies. If a newspaper of general circulation is not published within the geographical area that is affected by the rule or to which the rule applies, the publication shall be made in the newspaper of general circulation published closest to the geographical area.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, the Department of Corrections and the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision may adopt rules limiting participation by inmates in the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal of any rule to written submissions.

(d) An agency that receives data or views concerning proposed rules from interested persons shall maintain a record of the data or views submitted. The record shall contain:

(A) All written materials submitted to an agency in response to a notice of intent to adopt, amend or repeal a rule.

(B) A recording or summary of oral submissions received at hearings held for the purpose of receiving those submissions.

(4) Upon request of an interested person received before the earliest date that the rule could become effective after the giving of notice pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the agency shall postpone the date of its intended action no less than 21 nor more than 90 days in order to allow the requesting person an opportunity to submit data, views or arguments concerning the proposed action. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude an agency from adopting a temporary rule pursuant to subsection (5) of this section.

(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (4) of this section, an agency may adopt, amend or suspend a rule without prior notice or hearing or upon any abbreviated notice and hearing that it finds practicable, if the agency prepares:

(a) A statement of its findings that its failure to act promptly will result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of the parties concerned and the specific reasons for its findings of prejudice;

(b) A citation of the statutory or other legal authority relied upon and bearing upon the promulgation of the rule;

(d) A list of the principal documents, reports or studies, if any, prepared by or relied upon by the agency in considering the need for and in preparing the rule, and a statement of the location at which those documents are available for public inspection; and

(e) For an agency specified in ORS 183.530, a housing cost impact statement as defined in ORS 183.534.

(6)(a) A rule adopted, amended or suspended under subsection (5) of this section is temporary and may be effective for a period of not longer than 180 days. The adoption of a rule under this subsection does not preclude the subsequent adoption of an identical rule under subsections (1) to (4) of this section.

(b) A rule temporarily suspended shall regain effectiveness upon expiration of the temporary period of suspension unless the rule is repealed under subsections (1) to (4) of this section.

(7) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (4) of this section, an agency may amend a rule without prior notice or hearing if the amendment is solely for the purpose of:

(a) Changing the name of an agency by reason of a name change prescribed by law;

(b) Correcting spelling;

(d) Correcting statutory references.

(8) Any person may request in writing that an agency mail to the person copies of its notices of intended action given pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. Upon receipt of any request the agency shall acknowledge the request, establish a mailing list and maintain a record of all mailings made pursuant to the request. Agencies may establish procedures for establishing and maintaining the mailing lists current and, by rule, establish fees necessary to defray the costs of mailings and maintenance of the lists.

(9) This section does not apply to rules establishing an effective date for a previously effective rule or establishing a period during which a provision of a previously effective rule will apply.

(10) This section does not apply to ORS 279.025 to 279.031 and 279.310 to 279.990 relating to public contracts and purchasing.

(11)(a) No rule is valid unless adopted in substantial compliance with the provisions of this section in effect on the date the rule is adopted.

(b) In addition to all other requirements with which rule adoptions must comply, no rule adopted after October 3, 1979, is valid unless submitted to the Legislative Counsel under ORS 183.715.

(12) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (11) of this section, an agency may correct its failure to substantially comply with the requirements of subsections (2) and (5) of this section in adoption of a rule by an amended filing, so long as the noncompliance did not substantially prejudice the interests of persons to be affected by the rule. However, this subsection does not authorize correction of a failure to comply with subsection (2)(b)(E) of this section requiring inclusion of a fiscal impact statement with the notice required by subsection (1) of this section.

(13) Unless otherwise provided by statute, the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule by an agency need not be based upon or supported by an evidentiary record.

(14) When an agency has established a deadline for comment on a proposed rule under the provisions of subsection (3)(a) of this section, the agency may not extend that deadline for another agency or person unless the extension applies equally to all interested agencies and persons. An agency shall not consider any submission made by another agency after the final deadline has passed.

(15) The notices required under subsections (1) and (3) of this section must be given by the agency to the following persons:

(a) If the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal results from legislation that was passed within two years before notice is given under subsection (1) of this section, notice shall be given to the legislator who introduced the bill that subsequently was enacted into law, and to the chair or cochairs of all committees that reported the bill out, except for those committees whose sole action on the bill was referral to another committee.

(b) If the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal does not result from legislation that was passed within two years before notice is given under subsection (1) of this section, notice shall be given to the chair or cochairs of any interim or session committee with authority over the subject matter of the rule.

(c) If notice cannot be given under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection, notice shall be given to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the President of the Senate who are in office on the date the notice is given.

(16)(a) Upon the request of a member of the Legislative Assembly or of a person who would be affected by a proposed adoption, amendment or repeal, the committees receiving notice under subsection (15) of this section shall review the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal for compliance with the legislation from which the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal results.

(b) The committees shall submit their comments on the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal to the agency proposing the adoption, amendment or repeal. [1971 c.734 §3; 1973 c.612 §1; 1975 c.136 §11; 1975 c.759 §4; 1977 c.161 §1; 1977 c.344 §6; 1977 c.394 §1a; 1977 c.798 §2; 1979 c.593 §11; 1981 c.755 §2; 1987 c.861 §2; 1993 c.729 §3; 1995 c.652 §5; 1997 c.602 §3; 1999 c.123 §1; 1999 c.334 §1; 2001 c.220 §1; 2001 c.563 §1]

Note: Section 2, chapter 563, Oregon Laws 2001, provides:

Sec. 2. The amendments to ORS 183.335 by section 1 of this 2001 Act apply only to rules for which notice is given under ORS 183.335 (1)(b) on or after the effective date of this 2001 Act [January 1, 2002]. [2001 c.563 §2]

183.337 Procedure for agency adoption of federal rules. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 183.335, when an agency is required to adopt rules or regulations promulgated by an agency of the federal government and the agency has no authority to alter or amend the content or language of those rules or regulations prior to their adoption, the agency may adopt those rules or regulations under the procedure prescribed in this section.

(2) Prior to the adoption of a federal rule or regulation under subsection (1) of this section, the agency shall give notice of the adoption of the rule or regulation, the effective date of the rule or regulation in this state and the subject matter of the rule or regulation in the manner established in ORS 183.335 (1).

(3) After giving notice the agency may adopt the rule or regulation by filing a copy with the Secretary of State in compliance with ORS 183.355. The agency is not required to conduct a public hearing concerning the adoption of the rule or regulation.

(4) Nothing in this section authorizes an agency to amend federal rules or regulations or adopt rules in accordance with federal requirements without giving an opportunity for hearing as required by ORS 183.335. [1979 c.593 §15]

183.340 [1957 c.717 §3 (3); 1971 c.734 §6; repealed by 1975 c.759 §5 (183.341 enacted in lieu of 183.340)]

183.341 Model rules of procedure; establishment; compilation; publication; agencies required to adopt procedural rules. (1) The Attorney General shall prepare model rules of procedure appropriate for use by as many agencies as possible. Except as provided in section 8, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, any agency may adopt all or part of the model rules by reference without complying with the rulemaking procedures under ORS 183.335. Notice of such adoption shall be filed with the Secretary of State in the manner provided by ORS 183.355 for the filing of rules. The model rules may be amended from time to time by an adopting agency or the Attorney General after notice and opportunity for hearing as required by rulemaking procedures under ORS 183.310 to 183.550.

(2) Except as provided in section 8, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, all agencies shall adopt rules of procedure to be utilized in the adoption of rules and conduct of proceedings in contested cases or, if exempt from the contested case provisions of ORS 183.310 to 183.550, for the conduct of proceedings.

(3) The Secretary of State shall publish in the Oregon Administrative Rules:

(a) The Attorney General’s model rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section;

(b) The procedural rules of all agencies that have not adopted the Attorney General’s model rules; and

(4) Agencies shall adopt rules of procedure which will provide a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to be notified of the agency’s intention to adopt, amend or repeal a rule.

(5) No rule adopted after September 13, 1975, is valid unless adopted in substantial compliance with the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. [1975 c.759 §6 (enacted in lieu of 183.340); 1979 c.593 §12; 1997 c.837 §1; 1999 c.849 §24]

Note: The amendments to 183.341 by section 25, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, become operative January 1, 2004. See section 26, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999. The text that is operative on and after January 1, 2004, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

183.341. (1) The Attorney General shall prepare model rules of procedure appropriate for use by as many agencies as possible. Any agency may adopt all or part of the model rules by reference without complying with the rulemaking procedures under ORS 183.335. Notice of such adoption shall be filed with the Secretary of State in the manner provided by ORS 183.355 for the filing of rules. The model rules may be amended from time to time by an adopting agency or the Attorney General after notice and opportunity for hearing as required by rulemaking procedures under ORS 183.310 to 183.550.

(2) All agencies shall adopt rules of procedure to be utilized in the adoption of rules and conduct of proceedings in contested cases or, if exempt from the contested case provisions of ORS 183.310 to 183.550, for the conduct of proceedings.

(3) The Secretary of State shall publish in the Oregon Administrative Rules:

(a) The Attorney General’s model rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section;

(b) The procedural rules of all agencies that have not adopted the Attorney General’s model rules; and

(4) Agencies shall adopt rules of procedure which will provide a reasonable opportunity for interested persons to be notified of the agency’s intention to adopt, amend or repeal a rule.

(5) No rule adopted after September 13, 1975, is valid unless adopted in substantial compliance with the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

183.350 [1957 c.717 §3 (1), (2); repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.355 Filing and taking effect of rules; filing of executive orders; copies. (1)(a) Each agency shall file in the office of the Secretary of State a certified copy of each rule adopted by it.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, an agency adopting a rule incorporating published standards by reference is not required to file a copy of those standards with the Secretary of State if:

(A) The standards adopted are unusually voluminous and costly to reproduce; and

(B) The rule filed with the Secretary of State identifies the location of the standards so incorporated and the conditions of their availability to the public.

(2) Each rule is effective upon filing as required by subsection (1) of this section, except that:

(a) If a later effective date is required by statute or specified in the rule, the later date is the effective date.

(b) A temporary rule becomes effective upon filing with the Secretary of State, or at a designated later date, only if the statement required by ORS 183.335 (5) is filed with the rule. The agency shall take appropriate measures to make temporary rules known to the persons who may be affected by them.

(3) When a rule is amended or repealed by an agency, the agency shall file a certified copy of the amendment or notice of repeal with the Secretary of State who shall appropriately amend the compilation required by ORS 183.360 (1).

(4) A certified copy of each executive order issued, prescribed or promulgated by the Governor shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.

(5) No rule of which a certified copy is required to be filed shall be valid or effective against any person or party until a certified copy is filed in accordance with this section. However, if an agency, in disposing of a contested case, announces in its decision the adoption of a general policy applicable to such case and subsequent cases of like nature the agency may rely upon such decision in disposition of later cases.

(6) The Secretary of State shall, upon request, supply copies of rules, or orders or designated parts of rules or orders, making and collecting therefor fees prescribed by ORS 177.130. All receipts from the sale of copies shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of the Secretary of State Miscellaneous Receipts Account established under ORS 279.833. [1971 c.734 §5; 1973 c.612 §2; 1975 c.759 §7; 1977 c.798 §2b; 1979 c.593 §13; 1991 c.169 §2]

183.360 Publication of rules and orders; exceptions; requirements; bulletin; judicial notice; citation. (1) The Secretary of State shall compile, index and publish all rules adopted by each agency. The compilation shall be supplemented or revised as often as necessary and at least once every six months. Such compilation supersedes any other rules. The Secretary of State may make such compilations of other material published in the bulletin as are desirable. The Secretary of State may copyright the compilations prepared under this subsection, and may establish policies for the revision, clarification, classification, arrangement, indexing, printing, binding, publication, sale and distribution of the compilations.

(2)(a) The Secretary of State has discretion to omit from the compilation rules the publication of which would be unduly cumbersome or expensive if the rule in printed or processed form is made available on application to the adopting agency, and if the compilation contains a notice summarizing the omitted rule and stating how a copy thereof may be obtained. In preparing the compilation the Secretary of State shall not alter the sense, meaning, effect or substance of any rule, but may renumber sections and parts of sections of the rules, change the wording of headnotes, rearrange sections, change reference numbers to agree with renumbered chapters, sections or other parts, substitute the proper subsection, section or chapter or other division numbers, change capitalization for the purpose of uniformity, and correct manifest clerical or typographical errors.

(b) The Secretary of State may by rule prescribe requirements, not inconsistent with law, for the manner and form for filing of rules adopted or amended by agencies. The Secretary of State may refuse to accept for filing any rules which do not comply with those requirements.

(3) The Secretary of State shall publish at least at monthly intervals a bulletin which:

(a) Briefly indicates the agencies that are proposing to adopt, amend or repeal a rule, the subject matter of the rule and the name, address and telephone number of an agency officer or employee from whom information and a copy of any proposed rule may be obtained;

(b) Contains the text or a brief description of all rules filed under ORS 183.355 since the last bulletin indicating the effective date of the rule; and

(4) Courts shall take judicial notice of rules and executive orders filed with the Secretary of State.

(5) The compilation required by subsection (1) of this section shall be titled Oregon Administrative Rules and may be cited as "OAR" with appropriate numerical indications. [1957 c.717 §4 (1), (2), (3); 1961 c.464 §1; 1971 c.734 §7; 1973 c.612 §4; 1975 c.759 §7a; 1977 c.394 §2; 1979 c.593 §16; 1993 c.729 §13; 1995 c.79 §62; 2001 c.104 §63]

183.362 Program for biennial publication of Oregon Administrative Rules. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 183.360, the Secretary of State may implement a program for the publication of the Oregon Administrative Rules not less than once every two years with annual supplements. The Secretary of State may implement a program under this section only if the Secretary of State publishes the full text of proposed administrative rules in the manner specified by this section.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, upon implementing a program under this section the Secretary of State shall require that an agency submit the full text of the proposed rule in addition to information required to be published under the provisions of ORS 183.335 (1). Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the Secretary of State shall publish the full text of the proposed rule in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360.

(3) The Secretary of State may waive the submission of the full text of a proposed administrative rule and decline to publish the full text of the proposed rule in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 if:

(a) The proposed rule is unusually voluminous; and

(b) In addition to the information provided by the agency under the provisions of ORS 183.335 (2) the agency identifies a location where the rule is available for inspection and copying.

(4) If the adopted rule submitted to the Secretary of State under the provisions of ORS 183.355 is different from the proposed rule submitted to the Secretary of State under a program implemented under this section, the Secretary of State shall publish in the bulletin referred to in ORS 183.360 either the full text of the rule as adopted or a list of the changes made in the proposed rule before the agency adopted the rule. [1993 c.729 §12]

Note: 183.362 was added to and made a part of 183.310 to 183.550 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

183.365 Publication of administrative rules in electronic form. (1) Pursuant to ORS 183.360, the Secretary of State shall publish in electronic form administrative rules adopted or amended by state agencies and make the information available to the public and members of the Legislative Assembly.

(2) The Secretary of State shall determine the most cost-effective format and procedures for the timely release of the information described in subsection (1) of this section in electronic form.

(3) Pursuant to ORS 183.360 (2)(b), the Secretary of State shall establish requirements for filing administrative rules adopted or amended by state agencies for entry into computer networks for the purpose of subsection (1) of this section.

(4) Although each state agency is responsible for its information resources, centralized information resource management must also exist to:

(a) Provide public access to the information described in subsection (1) of this section;

(b) Provide technical assistance to state agencies; and

(c) Ensure that the information resources needed to implement subsection (1) of this section are addressed along with the needs of the individual agencies.

(5) Personal information concerning a person who accesses the information identified in subsection (1) of this section may be maintained only for the purpose of providing service to the person.

(6) No fee or other charge may be imposed by the Secretary of State as a condition of accessing the information identified in subsection (1) of this section.

(7) No action taken pursuant to this section shall be deemed to alter or relinquish any copyright or other proprietary interest or entitlement of the State of Oregon relative to any of the information made available pursuant to subsection (1) of this section. [1995 c.614 §5]

Note: 183.365 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 183 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

183.370 Distribution of published rules. The bulletins and compilations may be distributed by the Secretary of State free of charge as provided for the distribution of legislative materials referred to in ORS 171.236. Other copies of the bulletins and compilations shall be distributed by the Secretary of State at a cost determined by the Secretary of State. Any agency may compile and publish its rules or all or part of its rules for purpose of distribution outside of the agency only after it proves to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that agency publication is necessary. [1957 c.717 §4 (4); 1959 c.260 §1; 1969 c.174 §4; 1975 c.759 §8; 1977 c.394 §3]

183.380 [1957 c.717 §4 (5); repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.390 Petitions requesting adoption of rules. An interested person may petition an agency requesting the promulgation, amendment or repeal of a rule. The Attorney General shall prescribe by rule the form for such petitions and the procedure for their submission, consideration and disposition. Not later than 30 days after the date of submission of a petition, the agency either shall deny the petition in writing or shall initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with ORS 183.335. [1957 c.717 §5; 1971 c.734 §8]

183.400 Judicial determination of validity of rule. (1) The validity of any rule may be determined upon a petition by any person to the Court of Appeals in the manner provided for review of orders in contested cases. The court shall have jurisdiction to review the validity of the rule whether or not the petitioner has first requested the agency to pass upon the validity of the rule in question, but not when the petitioner is a party to an order or a contested case in which the validity of the rule may be determined by a court.

(2) The validity of any applicable rule may also be determined by a court, upon review of an order in any manner provided by law or pursuant to ORS 183.480 or upon enforcement of such rule or order in the manner provided by law.

(3) Judicial review of a rule shall be limited to an examination of:

(a) The rule under review;

(b) The statutory provisions authorizing the rule; and

(4) The court shall declare the rule invalid only if it finds that the rule:

(a) Violates constitutional provisions;

(b) Exceeds the statutory authority of the agency; or

(5) In the case of disputed allegations of irregularities in procedure which, if proved, would warrant reversal or remand, the Court of Appeals may refer the allegations to a Master appointed by the court to take evidence and make findings of fact. The court’s review of the Master’s findings of fact shall be de novo on the evidence.

(6) The court shall not declare a rule invalid solely because it was adopted without compliance with applicable rulemaking procedures after a period of two years after the date the rule was filed in the office of the Secretary of State, if the agency attempted to comply with those procedures and its failure to do so did not substantially prejudice the interests of the parties. [1957 c.717 §6; 1971 c.734 §9; 1975 c.759 §9; 1979 c.593 §17; 1987 c.861 §3]

183.410 Agency determination of applicability of rule or statute to petitioner; effect; judicial review. On petition of any interested person, any agency may in its discretion issue a declaratory ruling with respect to the applicability to any person, property, or state of facts of any rule or statute enforceable by it. A declaratory ruling is binding between the agency and the petitioner on the state of facts alleged, unless it is altered or set aside by a court. However, the agency may, where the ruling is adverse to the petitioner, review the ruling and alter it if requested by the petitioner. Binding rulings provided by this section are subject to review in the Court of Appeals in the manner provided in ORS 183.480 for the review of orders in contested cases. The Attorney General shall prescribe by rule the form for such petitions and the procedure for their submission, consideration and disposition. The petitioner shall have the right to submit briefs and present oral argument at any declaratory ruling proceeding held pursuant to this section. [1957 c.717 §7; 1971 c.734 §10; 1973 c.612 §5]

CONTESTED CASES

183.413 Notice to party before hearing of rights and procedure; failure to provide notice. (1) The Legislative Assembly finds that the citizens of this state have a right to be informed as to the procedures by which contested cases are heard by state agencies, their rights in hearings before state agencies, the import and effect of hearings before state agencies and their rights and remedies with respect to actions taken by state agencies. Accordingly, it is the purpose of subsections (2) to (4) of this section to set forth certain requirements of state agencies so that citizens shall be fully informed as to these matters when exercising their rights before state agencies.

(2) Prior to the commencement of a contested case hearing before any agency including those agencies identified in ORS 183.315, the agency shall inform each party to the hearing of the following matters:

(a) If a party is not represented by an attorney, a general description of the hearing procedure including the order of presentation of evidence, what kinds of evidence are admissible, whether objections may be made to the introduction of evidence and what kind of objections may be made and an explanation of the burdens of proof or burdens of going forward with the evidence.

(b) Whether a record will be made of the proceedings and the manner of making the record and its availability to the parties.

(c) The function of the record-making with respect to the perpetuation of the testimony and evidence and with respect to any appeal from the determination or order of the agency.

(d) Whether an attorney will represent the agency in the matters to be heard and whether the parties ordinarily and customarily are represented by an attorney.

(e) The title and function of the person presiding at the hearing with respect to the decision process, including, but not limited to, the manner in which the testimony and evidence taken by the person presiding at the hearing are reviewed, the effect of that person’s determination, who makes the final determination on behalf of the agency, whether the person presiding at the hearing is or is not an employee, officer or other representative of the agency and whether that person has the authority to make a final independent determination.

(f) In the event a party is not represented by an attorney, whether the party may during the course of proceedings request a recess if at that point the party determines that representation by an attorney is necessary to the protection of the party’s rights.

(g) Whether there exists an opportunity for an adjournment at the end of the hearing if the party then determines that additional evidence should be brought to the attention of the agency and the hearing reopened.

(h) Whether there exists an opportunity after the hearing and prior to the final determination or order of the agency to review and object to any proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, summary of evidence or recommendations of the officer presiding at the hearing.

(i) A description of the appeal process from the determination or order of the agency.

(3) The information required to be given to a party to a hearing under subsection (2) of this section may be given in writing or orally before commencement of the hearing.

(4) The failure of an agency to give notice of any item specified in subsection (2) of this section, shall not invalidate any determination or order of the agency unless upon an appeal from or review of the determination or order a court finds that the failure affects the substantial rights of the complaining party. In the event of such a finding, the court shall remand the matter to the agency for a reopening of the hearing and shall direct the agency as to what steps it shall take to remedy the prejudice to the rights of the complaining party. [1979 c.593 §§37, 38,39; 1995 c.79 §63]

183.415 Notice, hearing and record in contested case; informal disposition; hearing officer; ex parte communications. (1) In a contested case, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after reasonable notice, served personally or by registered or certified mail.

(2) The notice shall include:

(a) A statement of the party’s right to hearing, or a statement of the time and place of the hearing;

(b) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;

(d) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted or charged.

(3) Parties may elect to be represented by counsel and to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved.

(4) Agencies may adopt rules of procedure governing participation in contested cases by persons appearing as limited parties.

(5)(a) Unless precluded by law, informal disposition may be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default. Informal settlement may be made in license revocation proceedings by written agreement of the parties and the agency consenting to a suspension, fine or other form of intermediate sanction.

(b) Any informal disposition of a contested case, other than an informal disposition by default, must be in writing and signed by the party or parties to the contested case. The agency shall incorporate that disposition into a final order. An order under this paragraph is not subject to ORS 183.470. The agency shall deliver or mail a copy of the order to each party, or, if applicable, to the party’s attorney of record. An order that incorporates the informal disposition is a final order in a contested case, but is not subject to judicial review. A party may petition the agency to set aside a final order that incorporates the informal disposition on the ground that the informal disposition was obtained by fraud or duress.

(6) An order adverse to a party may be issued upon default only upon prima facie case made on the record of the agency. When an order is effective only if a request for hearing is not made by the party, the record may be made at the time of issuance of the order, and if the order is based only on material included in the application or other submissions of the party, the agency may so certify and so notify the party, and such material shall constitute the evidentiary record of the proceeding if hearing is not requested.

(7) At the commencement of the hearing, the officer presiding shall explain the issues involved in the hearing and the matters that the parties must either prove or disprove.

(8) Testimony shall be taken upon oath or affirmation of the witness from whom received. The officer presiding at the hearing shall administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses.

(9) The officer presiding at the hearing shall place on the record a statement of the substance of any written or oral ex parte communications on a fact in issue made to the officer during the pendency of the proceeding and notify the parties of the communication and of their right to rebut such communications. If an ex parte communication is made to a hearing officer assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel established by section 3, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, the hearing officer must comply with section 20, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999.

(10) The officer presiding at the hearing shall ensure that the record developed at the hearing shows a full and fair inquiry into the facts necessary for consideration of all issues properly before the presiding officer in the case.

(11) The record in a contested case shall include:

(a) All pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings.

(b) Evidence received or considered.

(d) A statement of matters officially noticed.

(e) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon.

(f) A statement of any ex parte communications on a fact in issue made to the officer presiding at the hearing.

(g) Proposed findings and exceptions.

(h) Any proposed, intermediate or final order prepared by the agency or a hearing officer.

(12) A verbatim oral, written or mechanical record shall be made of all motions, rulings and testimony. The record need not be transcribed unless requested for purposes of rehearing or court review. The agency may charge the party requesting transcription the cost of a copy of transcription, unless the party files an appropriate affidavit of indigency. However, upon petition, a court having jurisdiction to review under ORS 183.480 may reduce or eliminate the charge upon finding that it is equitable to do so, or that matters of general interest would be determined by review of the order of the agency. [1971 c.734 §13; 1979 c.593 §18; 1985 c.757 §1; 1997 c.837 §2; 1999 c.849 §27]

Note: The amendments to 183.415 by section 28, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, become operative January 1, 2004. See section 29, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999. The text that is operative on and after January 1, 2004, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

183.415. (1) In a contested case, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after reasonable notice, served personally or by registered or certified mail.

(2) The notice shall include:

(a) A statement of the party’s right to hearing, or a statement of the time and place of the hearing;

(b) A statement of the authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;

(d) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted or charged.

(3) Parties may elect to be represented by counsel and to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved.

(4) Agencies may adopt rules of procedure governing participation in contested cases by persons appearing as limited parties.

(7) At the commencement of the hearing, the officer presiding shall explain the issues involved in the hearing and the matters that the parties must either prove or disprove.

(8) Testimony shall be taken upon oath or affirmation of the witness from whom received. The officer presiding at the hearing shall administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses.

(11) The record in a contested case shall include:

(a) All pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings.

(b) Evidence received or considered.

(d) A statement of matters officially noticed.

(e) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon.

(f) A statement of any ex parte communications on a fact in issue made to the officer presiding at the hearing.

(g) Proposed findings and exceptions.

(h) Any proposed, intermediate or final order prepared by the agency or a hearing officer.

183.418 [1973 c.386 §6; 1989 c.224 §11; 1991 c.750 §5; repealed by 1999 c.1041 §9]

183.420 [1957 c.717 §8 (1); repealed by 1971 c.734 §21]

183.421 [1991 c.750 §4; repealed by 1999 c.1041 §9]

183.425 Depositions or subpoena of material witness; discovery. (1) On petition of any party to a contested case, or upon the agency’s own motion, the agency may order that the testimony of any material witness may be taken by deposition in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions. Depositions may also be taken by the use of audio or audio-visual recordings. The petition shall set forth the name and address of the witness whose testimony is desired, a showing of the materiality of the testimony of the witness, and a request for an order that the testimony of such witness be taken before an officer named in the petition for that purpose. If the witness resides in this state and is unwilling to appear, the agency may issue a subpoena as provided in ORS 183.440, requiring the appearance of the witness before such officer.

(2) An agency may, by rule, prescribe other methods of discovery which may be used in proceedings before the agency. [1971 c.734 §14; 1975 c.759 §11; 1979 c.593 §19; 1997 c.837 §6]

183.430 Hearing on refusal to renew license; exceptions. (1) In the case of any license which must be periodically renewed, where the licensee has made timely application for renewal in accordance with the rules of the agency, such license shall not be deemed to expire, despite any stated expiration date thereon, until the agency concerned has issued a formal order of grant or denial of such renewal. In case an agency proposes to refuse to renew such license, upon demand of the licensee, the agency must grant hearing as provided by ORS 183.310 to 183.550 before issuance of order of refusal to renew. This subsection does not apply to any emergency or temporary permit or license.

(2) In any case where the agency finds a serious danger to the public health or safety and sets forth specific reasons for such findings, the agency may suspend or refuse to renew a license without hearing, but if the licensee demands a hearing within 90 days after the date of notice to the licensee of such suspension or refusal to renew, then a hearing must be granted to the licensee as soon as practicable after such demand, and the agency shall issue an order pursuant to such hearing as required by ORS 183.310 to 183.550 confirming, altering or revoking its earlier order. Such a hearing need not be held where the order of suspension or refusal to renew is accompanied by or is pursuant to, a citation for violation which is subject to judicial determination in any court of this state, and the order by its terms will terminate in case of final judgment in favor of the licensee. [1957 c.717 §8 (3), (4); 1965 c.212 §1; 1971 c.734 §11]

183.435 Period allowed to request hearing for license refusal on grounds other than test or inspection results. When an agency refuses to issue a license required to pursue any commercial activity, trade, occupation or profession if the refusal is based on grounds other than the results of a test or inspection that agency shall grant the person requesting the license 60 days from notification of the refusal to request a hearing. [Formerly 670.285]

183.440 Subpoenas in contested cases. (1) An agency may issue subpoenas on its own motion in a contested case. In addition, an agency or hearing officer in a contested case may issue subpoenas upon the request of a party to a contested case upon a showing of general relevance and reasonable scope of the evidence sought. A party entitled to have witnesses on behalf of the party may have subpoenas issued by an attorney of record of the party, subscribed by the signature of the attorney. Witnesses appearing pursuant to subpoena, other than the parties or officers or employees of the agency, shall receive fees and mileage as prescribed by law for witnesses in ORS 44.415 (2).

(2) If any person fails to comply with any subpoena so issued or any party or witness refuses to testify on any matters on which the party or witness may be lawfully interrogated, the judge of the circuit court of any county, on the application of the hearing officer, the agency or the party requesting the issuance of or issuing the subpoena, shall compel obedience by proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from such court or a refusal to testify therein. [1957 c.717 §8 (2); 1971 c.734 §12; 1979 c.593 §20; 1981 c.174 §4; 1989 c.980 §10a; 1997 c.837 §3; 1999 c.849 §30]

183.445 Subpoena by agency or attorney of record of party when agency not subject to ORS 183.440. (1) In any proceeding before an agency not subject to ORS 183.440 in which a party is entitled to have subpoenas issued for the appearance of witnesses on behalf of the party, a subpoena may be issued by an attorney of record of the party, subscribed by the signature of the attorney. A subpoena issued by an attorney of record may be enforced in the same manner as a subpoena issued by the agency.

(2) In any proceeding before an agency not subject to ORS 183.440 in which a party is entitled to have subpoenas issued by the agency to compel the appearance of witnesses on behalf of the party, the agency may issue subpoenas on its own motion. [1981 c.174 §6; 1997 c.837 §4; 1999 c.849 §32]

183.450 Evidence in contested cases. In contested cases:

(1) Irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded but erroneous rulings on evidence shall not preclude agency action on the record unless shown to have substantially prejudiced the rights of a party. All other evidence of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in conduct of their serious affairs shall be admissible. Agencies and hearing officers shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Objections to evidentiary offers may be made and shall be noted in the record. Any part of the evidence may be received in written form.

(2) All evidence shall be offered and made a part of the record in the case, and except for matters stipulated to and except as provided in subsection (4) of this section no other factual information or evidence shall be considered in the determination of the case. Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, or by incorporation by reference. The burden of presenting evidence to support a fact or position in a contested case rests on the proponent of the fact or position.

(3) Every party shall have the right of cross-examination of witnesses who testify and shall have the right to submit rebuttal evidence. Persons appearing in a limited party status shall participate in the manner and to the extent prescribed by rule of the agency.

(4) The hearing officer and agency may take notice of judicially cognizable facts, and may take official notice of general, technical or scientific facts within the specialized knowledge of the hearing officer or agency. Parties shall be notified at any time during the proceeding but in any event prior to the final decision of material officially noticed and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the facts so noticed. The hearing officer and agency may utilize the hearing officer’s or agency’s experience, technical competence and specialized knowledge in the evaluation of the evidence presented.

(5) No sanction shall be imposed or order be issued except upon consideration of the whole record or such portions thereof as may be cited by any party, and as supported by, and in accordance with, reliable, probative and substantial evidence. [1957 c.717 §9; 1971 c.734 §15; 1975 c.759 §12; 1977 c.798 §3; 1979 c.593 §21; 1987 c.833 §1; 1995 c.272 §5; 1997 c.391 §1; 1997 c.801 §76; 1999 c.448 §5; 1999 c.849 §34]

183.452 Representation of agencies at contested case hearings. (1) Agencies may, at their discretion, be represented at contested case hearings by the Attorney General.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 9.160, 9.320 and ORS chapter 180, and unless otherwise authorized by another law, an agency may be represented at contested case hearings by an officer or employee of the agency if:

(a) The Attorney General has consented to the representation of the agency by an agency representative in the particular hearing or in the class of hearings that includes the particular hearing; and

(b) The agency, by rule, has authorized an agency representative to appear on its behalf in the particular type of hearing being conducted.

(3) An agency representative acting under the provisions of this section may not give legal advice to an agency, and may not present legal argument in contested case hearings, except to the extent authorized by subsection (4) of this section.

(4) The officer presiding at a contested case hearing in which an agency representative appears under the provisions of this section may allow the agency representative to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments relating to the:

(a) Application of statutes and rules to the facts in the contested case;

(b) Actions taken by the agency in the past in similar situations;

(d) Admissibility of evidence; and

(e) Proper procedures to be used in the contested case hearing.

(5) Upon judicial review, no limitation imposed under this section on an agency representative is the basis for reversal or remand of agency action unless the limitation resulted in substantial prejudice to a party.

(6) The Attorney General may prepare model rules for agency representatives authorized under this section. [1999 c.448 §3]

Note: 183.452 was made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

183.455 [1987 c.259 §3; repealed by 1999 c.448 §10]

183.457 Representation of persons other than agencies participating in contested case hearings. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 8.690, 9.160 and 9.320, and unless otherwise authorized by another law, a person participating in a contested case hearing conducted by an agency described in this subsection may be represented by an attorney or by an authorized representative subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. The Attorney General shall prepare model rules for proceedings with lay representation that do not have the effect of precluding lay representation. No rule adopted by a state agency shall have the effect of precluding lay representation. The agencies before which an authorized representative may appear are:

(a) The State Landscape Contractors Board in the administration of the Landscape Contractors Law.

(b) The Office of Energy and the Energy Facility Siting Council.

(d) The Department of Consumer and Business Services for proceedings in which an insured appears pursuant to ORS 737.505.

(e) The Department of Consumer and Business Services and any other agency for the purpose of proceedings to enforce the state building code, as defined by ORS 455.010.

(f) The State Fire Marshal in the Department of State Police.

(g) The Division of State Lands for proceedings regarding the issuance or denial of fill or removal permits under ORS 196.800 to 196.825.

(h) The Public Utility Commission.

(i) The Water Resources Commission and the Water Resources Department.

(j) The Land Conservation and Development Commission and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

(k) The State Department of Agriculture, for purposes of hearings under ORS 215.705.

(L) The Bureau of Labor and Industries.

(2) A person participating in a contested case hearing as provided in subsection (1) of this section may appear by an authorized representative if:

(a) The agency conducting the contested case hearing has determined that appearance of such a person by an authorized representative will not hinder the orderly and timely development of the record in the type of contested case hearing being conducted;

(b) The agency conducting the contested case hearing allows, by rule, authorized representatives to appear on behalf of such participants in the type of contested case hearing being conducted; and

(c) The officer presiding at the contested case hearing may exercise discretion to limit an authorized representative’s presentation of evidence, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, or presentation of factual arguments to ensure the orderly and timely development of the hearing record, and shall not allow an authorized representative to present legal arguments except to the extent authorized under subsection (3) of this section.

(3) The officer presiding at a contested case hearing in which an authorized representative appears under the provisions of this section may allow the authorized representative to present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and make arguments relating to the:

(a) Application of statutes and rules to the facts in the contested case;

(b) Actions taken by the agency in the past in similar situations;

(d) Admissibility of evidence; and

(e) Proper procedures to be used in the contested case hearing.

(4) Upon judicial review, no limitation imposed by an agency presiding officer on the participation of an authorized representative shall be the basis for reversal or remand of agency action unless the limitation resulted in substantial prejudice to a person entitled to judicial review of the agency action.

(5) For the purposes of this section, "authorized representative" means a member of a participating partnership, an authorized officer or regular employee of a participating corporation, association or organized group, or an authorized officer or employee of a participating governmental authority other than a state agency. [1987 c.833 §3; 1989 c.453 §2; 1993 c.186 §4; 1995 c.102 §1; 1999 c.448 §1; 1999 c.599 §1]

Note: 183.457 was added to and made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

183.458 Nonattorney representation of parties in certain contested case hearings. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any contested case hearing before a state agency involving child support or public assistance as defined in ORS 411.010, a party may be represented by any of the following persons:

(a) An authorized representative who is an employee of a nonprofit legal services program that receives funding pursuant to ORS 9.572. The authorized representative must be supervised by an attorney also employed by a legal services program.

(b) An authorized representative who is an employee of the system designated to protect and advocate the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities under part C of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6041 et seq.) and the rights of individuals with mental illness under the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act (42 U.S.C. 10801 et seq.). The authorized representative must be supervised by an attorney also employed by the system.

(2) In any contested case hearing before a state agency involving child support, a party may be represented by a law student who is:

(a) Handling the child support matter as part of a law school clinical program in which the student is enrolled; and

(b) Supervised by an attorney employed by the program.

(3) A person authorized to represent a party under this section may present evidence in the proceeding, examine and cross-examine witnesses and present factual and legal arguments in the proceeding. [1999 c.448 §4]

Note: 183.458 was made a part of 183.413 to 183.470 by legislative action but was not added to any other series. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

183.460 Examination of evidence by agency. Whenever in a contested case a majority of the officials of the agency who are to render the final order have not heard the case or considered the record, the order, if adverse to a party other than the agency itself, shall not be made until a proposed order, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, has been served upon the parties and an opportunity has been afforded to each party adversely affected to file exceptions and present argument to the officials who are to render the decision. [1957 c.717 §10; 1971 c.734 §16; 1975 c.759 §13]

183.462 Agency statement of ex parte communications; notice. The agency shall place on the record a statement of the substance of any written or oral ex parte communications on a fact in issue made to the agency during its review of a contested case. The agency shall notify all parties of such communications and of their right to rebut the substance of the ex parte communications on the record. [1979 c.593 §36c]

183.464 Proposed order by hearing officer; amendment by agency; exemptions. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (1) to (4) of this section, unless a hearing officer is authorized or required by law or agency rule to issue a final order, the hearing officer shall prepare and serve on the agency and all parties to a contested case hearing a proposed order, including recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law. The proposed order shall become final after the 30th day following the date of service of the proposed order, unless the agency within that period issues an amended order.

(2) An agency may by rule specify a period of time after which a proposed order will become final that is different from that specified in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) If an agency determines that additional time will be necessary to allow the agency adequately to review a proposed order in a contested case, the agency may extend the time after which the proposed order will become final by a specified period of time. The agency shall notify the parties to the hearing of the period of extension.

(4) Subsections (1) to (4) of this section do not apply to the Public Utility Commission or the Energy Facility Siting Council.

(5) The Governor may exempt any agency or any class of contested case hearings before an agency from the requirements in whole or part of subsections (1) to (4) of this section by executive order. The executive order shall contain a statement of the reasons for the exemption. [1979 c.593 §§36,36b; 1995 c.79 §64; 2001 c.104 §64]

183.470 Orders in contested cases. In a contested case:

(1) Every order adverse to a party to the proceeding shall be in writing or stated in the record and may be accompanied by an opinion.

(2) A final order shall be accompanied by findings of fact and conclusions of law. The findings of fact shall consist of a concise statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings as to each contested issue of fact and as to each ultimate fact required to support the agency’s order.

(3) The agency shall notify the parties to a proceeding of a final order by delivering or mailing a copy of the order and any accompanying findings and conclusions to each party or, if applicable, the party’s attorney of record.

(4) Every final order shall include a citation of the statutes under which the order may be appealed. [1957 c.717 §11; 1971 c.734 §17; 1979 c.593 §22]

HEARING OFFICER PANEL (PILOT PROJECT)

Note: Sections 2 to 21, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, were added to and made a part of ORS 183.310 to 183.550. See section 1, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999. Sections 2 to 21, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, become operative on January 1, 2000, and are repealed January 1, 2004. See sections 213 and 214, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999. The text of sections 2 to 21, 213 and 214, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

Sec. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act:

(1) "Chief hearing officer" means the person employed under section 4 of this 1999 Act to organize and manage the Hearing Officer Panel.

(2) "Panel" means the Hearing Officer Panel established under section 3 of this 1999 Act. [1999 c.849 §2]

Sec. 3. Hearing Officer Panel established. (1) The Hearing Officer Panel is established within the Employment Department. The panel shall be managed by the chief hearing officer employed under section 4 of this 1999 Act. The panel shall make hearing officers available to agencies under sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act. Hearing officers assigned from the panel under sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act may:

(a) Conduct contested case proceedings on behalf of agencies in the manner provided by sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act;

(b) Perform such other services, as may be requested by an agency, that are appropriate for the resolution of disputes arising out of the conduct of agency business; and

(2) All persons serving on the panel must meet the standards and training requirements of section 19 of this 1999 Act. [1999 c.849 §3]

Sec. 4. Chief hearing officer; powers and duties. (1) The Director of the Employment Department shall employ a person to serve as chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel established under section 3 of this 1999 Act. The person employed to serve as chief hearing officer must be an active member of the Oregon State Bar. The chief hearing officer has all the powers necessary and convenient to organize and manage the panel. Subject to the State Personnel Relations Law, the chief hearing officer shall employ all persons necessary to the administration of the panel, prescribe the duties of those employees and fix their compensation.

(2) The chief hearing officer shall employ hearing officers to serve on the panel. The chief hearing officer shall ensure that hearing officers on the panel receive all training necessary to meet the standards required under the program created under section 19 of this 1999 Act.

(3) The chief hearing officer shall take all actions necessary to protect and ensure the independence of each hearing officer assigned from the panel. [1999 c.849 §4]

Sec. 5. Hiring and review of hearing officers. (1) A hearing officer employed by or contracting with the chief hearing officer shall conduct hearings on behalf of agencies as assigned by the chief hearing officer. A hearing officer shall be impartial in the performance of the hearing officer’s duties and shall remain fair in all hearings conducted by the hearing officer.

(2) Only persons who have a knowledge of administrative law and procedure may be employed by the chief hearing officer as hearing officers. The chief hearing officer by rule may establish additional qualifications for hearing officers serving on the Hearing Officer Panel. [1999 c.849 §5]

Sec. 6. Contract hearing officers. (1) The chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel may contract for the services of persons to act as hearing officers.

(2) Contract hearing officers shall meet the same qualifications as hearing officers regularly employed by the chief hearing officer and shall be paid at an hourly rate comparable to the per hour cost of salary and benefits for hearing officers regularly employed by the chief hearing officer and conducting similar hearings. [1999 c.849 §6]

Sec. 7. Assignment of hearing officers to agencies. (1) In assigning a hearing officer to conduct hearings on behalf of an agency, the chief hearing officer shall, whenever practicable, assign a hearing officer that has expertise in the legal issues or general subject matter of the proceeding.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of state law, any agency that is required to use hearing officers assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel to conduct hearings must delegate responsibility for the conduct of the hearing to a hearing officer assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel, and the hearing may not be conducted by the administrator, director, board, commission or other person or body charged with administering the agency.

(3) Any agency may authorize a hearing officer assigned to conduct a hearing on behalf of the agency under this section to enter a final order for the agency.

(4) An agency that is not required to use hearing officers assigned from the panel may contract with the chief hearing officer for the assignment of a hearing officer from the panel for the purpose of conducting one or more contested cases on behalf of the agency. [1999 c.849 §7]

Sec. 8. Rules for hearings conducted by hearing officers from panel. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, all contested case hearings conducted by hearing officers assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel established under section 3 of this 1999 Act must be conducted pursuant to the model rules of procedure prepared by the Attorney General under ORS 183.341 if the hearing is subject to the procedural requirements for contested case proceedings.

(2) The Attorney General, after consulting with the chief hearing officer for the panel, may exempt an agency or a category of cases from the requirements of subsection (1) of this section. The exemption may be from all or part of the model rules adopted by the Attorney General. Any exemption granted under this subsection must be made in writing.

(3) Except as may be expressly granted by the agency to a hearing officer assigned from the panel, or as may be expressly provided for by law, a hearing officer conducting a hearing for an agency under sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act may not authorize a party to take a deposition that is to be paid for by the agency. [1999 c.849 §8]

Sec. 9. Agencies required to seek hearing officer from panel. (1) Except as provided in this section, all agencies must use hearing officers assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel established under section 3, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, to conduct contested case hearings, without regard to whether those hearings are subject to the procedural requirements for contested case hearings.

(2) The following agencies need not use hearing officers assigned from the panel:

(a) The Department of Education, the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(b) Employment Appeals Board.

(d) Public Utility Commission.

(e) Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

(f) Land Conservation and Development Commission.

(g) Land Use Board of Appeals.

(h) Department of Revenue.

(i) Local government boundary commissions created pursuant to ORS 199.425 or 199.430.

(j) State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation.

(k) Psychiatric Security Review Board.

(L) State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

(m) Department of Corrections.

(n) Energy Facility Siting Council.

(o) Department of Human Services for vocational rehabilitation services cases under 29 U.S.C. 722(c) and disability determination cases under 42 U.S.C. 405.

(p) Secretary of State.

(q) State Treasurer.

(r) Attorney General.

(s) Fair Dismissal Appeals Board.

(t) Department of State Police.

(u) Oregon Youth Authority.

(v) Boards of stewards appointed by the Oregon Racing Commission.

(w) The Department of Higher Education and the institutions of higher education listed in ORS 352.002.

(x) The Governor.

(y) State Land Board.

(3) The Workers’ Compensation Board is exempt from using hearing officers assigned from the panel for any hearing conducted by the board under ORS chapters 147, 654 and 656. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services must use hearing officers assigned from the panel for all contested case hearings regarding matters other than those concerning a claim under ORS chapter 656, as provided in ORS 656.704 (2). Except as specifically provided in this subsection, the Department of Consumer and Business Services must use hearing officers assigned from the panel only for contested cases arising out of the department’s powers and duties under:

(a) ORS chapter 59;

(b) ORS 200.005 to 200.075;

(d) ORS chapter 674;

(e) ORS chapters 706 to 716;

(f) ORS chapter 717;

(g) ORS chapters 722, 723, 725 and 726; and

(h) ORS chapters 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 737, 742, 743, 744, 746, 748 and 750.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in any proceeding in which an agency is required to use a hearing officer assigned from the panel, an officer or employee of the agency may not conduct the hearing on behalf of the agency.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of sections 2 to 21, chapter 849, Oregon Laws 1999, no agency shall be required to use a hearing officer assigned from the panel if:

(a) Federal law requires that a different hearing officer be used; or

(b) Use of a hearing officer from the panel could result in a loss of federal funds.

(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Department of Environmental Quality must use hearing officers assigned from the panel only for contested case hearings conducted under the provisions of ORS 183.413 to 183.470. [1999 c.849 §9; 2001 c.900 §46]

Sec. 10. Assignment of hearing officers to exempt agencies and local governments. (1) Upon request of an agency, the chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel may assign hearing officers from the panel to conduct contested case proceedings on behalf of agencies that are exempted from mandatory use of panel hearing officers under section 9 of this 1999 Act.

(2) The chief hearing officer may contract with any political subdivision of this state to provide hearing officer services to the political subdivision for the purpose of conducting quasi-judicial hearings on behalf of the political subdivision. [1999 c.849 §10]

Sec. 11. Request for change of hearing officer assigned from panel. (1) After assignment of a hearing officer from the Hearing Officer Panel to conduct a hearing on behalf of an agency, the chief hearing officer shall assign a different hearing officer for the hearing upon receiving a written request from any party in the contested case or from the agency. The chief hearing officer may by rule establish time limitations and procedures for requests under this section.

(2) Only one request for a change of assignment of hearing officer under subsection (1) of this section may be granted by the chief hearing officer without a showing of good cause. If a party or agency fails to make a request under subsection (1) of this section within the time allowed, or if a party or agency objects to a hearing officer assigned after a request for a different hearing officer has been granted under subsection (1) of this section, the chief hearing officer shall assign a different hearing officer only upon a showing of good cause.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, a different hearing officer may not be assigned for a hearing provided under ORS 813.410 or 813.440 on suspension of driving privileges, except upon a showing of good cause. [1999 c.849 §11; 2001 c.294 §8]

Sec. 12. Modification of hearing officer findings by agency. (1) In any contested case hearing conducted by a hearing officer assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel, the hearing officer shall prepare and serve on the agency and all parties to the hearing a form of order, including recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law. The hearing officer shall also prepare and serve a proposed order in the manner provided by ORS 183.464 unless the agency or hearing is exempt from the requirements of ORS 183.464.

(2) If the hearing officer assigned from the panel will not enter the final order in a contested case proceeding, and the agency modifies the form of order issued by the hearing officer in any substantial manner, the agency must identify the modifications and provide an explanation to the parties to the hearing as to why the agency made the modifications.

(3) An agency conducting a contested case hearing may modify a finding of historical fact made by the hearing officer assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel only if the agency determines that the finding of historical fact made by the hearing officer is not supported by a preponderance of the evidence in the record. For the purposes of this section, a hearing officer makes a finding of historical fact if the hearing officer determines that an event did or did not occur in the past or that a circumstance or status did or did not exist either before the hearing or at the time of the hearing.

(4) If a party seeks judicial review of an agency’s modification of a finding of historical fact under subsection (3) of this section, the court shall make an independent finding of the fact in dispute by conducting a review de novo of the record viewed as a whole. If the court decides that the agency erred in modifying the finding of historical fact made by the hearing officer, the court shall remand the matter to the agency for entry of an order consistent with the court’s judgment. [1999 c.849 §12]

Sec. 13. Billings for services of hearing officers from panel. The chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel shall establish a schedule of fees for services rendered by hearing officers assigned from the panel. The fee charged shall be in an amount calculated to recover the cost of providing the hearing officer, the cost of conducting the hearing and all associated administrative costs. All fees collected by the chief hearing officer under this section shall be paid into the Hearing Officer Panel Operating Account created under section 14 of this 1999 Act. [1999 c.849 §13]

Sec. 14. Operating account. (1) The Hearing Officer Panel Operating Account is created within the General Fund. The account shall consist of moneys paid into the account under section 13 of this 1999 Act. Moneys credited to the account are continuously appropriated to the chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel created under section 3 of this 1999 Act for the purpose of paying expenses incurred in the administration of the panel.

(2) At the discretion of the chief hearing officer, petty cash funds may be established and maintained for the purpose of administering the duties of the panel. [1999 c.849 §14]

Sec. 15. Budgeting. The chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel shall estimate in advance the expenses that the panel will incur during each biennium and shall notify each agency required to use the panel’s services of the agency’s share of the anticipated expenses for periods within the biennium. [1999 c.849 §15]

Sec. 16. Rulemaking authority. Subject to the provisions of the State Personnel Relations Law, the chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel may adopt rules to:

(1) Organize and manage the Hearing Officer Panel established under section 3 of this 1999 Act.

(2) Facilitate the performance of the duties of hearing officers assigned from the panel.

(3) Establish qualifications for persons serving as hearing officers on the panel.

(4) Establish standards and procedures for the evaluation and training of hearing officers on the panel, consistent with standards and training requirements established under section 19 of this 1999 Act. [1999 c.849 §16]

Sec. 16a. Alternative dispute resolution. Sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act do not limit in any way the ability of any agency to use alternative dispute resolution, including mediation or arbitration, to resolve disputes without conducting a contested case hearing or without requesting assignment of a hearing officer from the Hearing Officer Panel. [1999 c.849 §16a]

Sec. 17. Transfer of employees. (1) On the operative date of sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act [January 1, 2000], the chief administrative officer or board of the agencies specified in subsection (2) of this section shall transfer to the chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel the permanent employees in the regular service of the agencies whose job duties involve the conducting of contested case proceedings or whose job duties relate to providing administrative services required for the conducting of contested case proceedings. The transfer of employees shall be made in a manner that is consistent with the provisions of the budget passed by the Legislative Assembly for the Employment Department in the 1999-2001 biennium.

(2) The agencies subject to the requirements of this section are:

(a) Employment Department.

(b) Water Resources Department.

(d) Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

(e) Construction Contractors Board.

(f) Adult and Family Services Division of the Department of Human Services.

(g) Workers’ Compensation Division and Insurance Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

(3) The chief hearing officer shall employ all persons transferred under this section in the performance of the duties and functions of the Hearing Officer Panel.

(4) The salaries and benefits of persons transferred under this section may not be reduced because of the transfer, and persons who are represented by a labor organization, as defined in ORS 243.650, shall continue to be represented by that labor organization. Transferred persons are considered permanent employees and may be disciplined or terminated only under the same classification and procedures applicable to those employees before transfer. [1999 c.849 §17]

Sec. 18. Transfer of pending cases. On the operative date of sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act [January 1, 2000], the chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel shall assign hearing officers as requested by agencies to continue the conduct of and conclude proceedings pending on the operative date of sections 2 to 21 of this 1999 Act. [1999 c.849 §18]

Sec. 19. Standards and training program. (1) The chief hearing officer for the Hearing Officer Panel, working in coordination with the Attorney General, shall design and implement a standards and training program for hearing officers on the panel and for persons seeking to serve as hearing officers on the panel. The program shall include:

(a) The establishment of an ethical code for persons serving as hearing officers on the panel.

(b) Training for hearing officers on the panel that is designed to assist in identifying cases that are appropriate for the use of alternative dispute resolution processes.

(2) The program established by the chief hearing officer under this section may include:

(a) The conducting of courses on administrative law, evidence, hearing procedures and other issues that arise in presiding over administrative hearings, including courses designed to provide any training required by the chief hearing officer for hearing officers on the panel.

(b) The certification of courses offered by other persons for the purpose of any training required by the chief hearing officer for hearing officers on the panel.

(c) The provision of specialized training for hearing officers in subject matter areas affecting particular agencies required to use hearing officers assigned from the panel.

(3) The chief hearing officer is bound by the ethical code established under this section and must satisfactorily complete training required of hearing officers on the panel other than specialized training in subject matter areas affecting particular agencies. [1999 c.849 §19]

Sec. 20. Required disclosure of ex parte contacts. (1) A hearing officer assigned from the Hearing Officer Panel who is presiding in a contested case proceeding and who receives an ex parte communication described in subsections (3) and (4) of this section shall place in the record of the pending matter:

(a) The name of each person from whom the hearing officer received an ex parte communication;

(b) A copy of any ex parte written communication received by the hearing officer;

(d) A memorandum reflecting the substance of any ex parte oral communication made to the hearing officer; and

(e) A memorandum reflecting the substance of any oral response made by the hearing officer to an ex parte oral communication.

(2) Upon making a record of an ex parte communication under subsection (1) of this section, a hearing officer shall advise the agency and all parties in the p