PURPOSE: This rule describes the process of requesting continuances of public hearings.

1. (1) The commission may continue a hearing or prehearing conference upon a showing of good cause. Requests for a continuance should be in writing and should be filed with the commission no later than seven (7) days before the scheduled hearing or prehearing conference. Requests filed after this deadline should state a good cause basis for the continuance as well as a good cause basis for the untimely request.
2. (2) Before a party requests a continuance, the requesting party shall contact the other parties to determine whether they object to the continuance and to determine mutually acceptable dates to which the hearing or conference may be rescheduled and the information shall be included in the party’s motion for continuance.
3. (3) The commission, or a presiding commissioner designated for that purpose, may take up the request to continue a hearing or prehearing conference.
4. (4) When a hearing or prehearing conference is continued, the parties shall be promptly notified by the executive director. Any order granting a continuance shall be mailed to the parties by regular first class mail, postage prepaid.

AUTHORITY: section 105.955.14(7), RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed March 24, 1997, effective Sept. 30, 1997. Amended: Filed Sept. 4, 2007, effective Feb. 29, 2008. Amended: Filed Aug. 8, 2019, effective March 30, 2020.

*Original authority: 105.955, RSMo 1991, amended 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2010, 2015.