OAR 137-003-0040: Conducting Contested Case Hearing

(1) The contested case hearing shall be conducted by and under the control of the presiding officer. The presiding officer may be the chief administrative officer of the agency, a member of its governing body, or any other person designated by the agency. (2) If the presiding officer or any decision maker has an actual or potential conflict of interest as defined in ORS 244.020(1) or (14), that officer shall comply with the requirements of ORS Chapter 244 (e.g., ORS 244.120 and 244.130). (3) The hearing shall be conducted, subject to the discretion of the presiding officer, so as to include the following: (a) The statement and evidence of the proponent in support of its action; (b) The statement and evidence of opponents, interested agencies, and other parties; except that limited parties may address only subjects within the area to which they have been limited; (c) Any rebuttal evidence; (d) Any closing arguments. (4) Presiding officers or decision makers, agency representatives, interested agencies, and parties shall have the right to question witnesses. However, limited parties may question only those witnesses whose testimony may relate to the area or areas of participation granted by the agency. (5) The hearing may be continued with recesses as determined by the presiding officer. (6) The presiding officer may set reasonable time limits for oral presentation and may exclude or limit cumulative, repetitious, or immaterial matter. (7) Exhibits shall be marked and maintained by the agency as part of the record of the proceedings. (8) If the presiding officer or any decision maker receives any written or oral ex parte communication on a fact in issue during the contested case proceeding, that person shall notify all parties and otherwise comply with the requirements of OAR 137-003-0055.