- (1) The board agent may refer matters to a hearing officer for consideration under this subchapter.
(2) The hearing officer shall conduct an informal hearing for matters under this subchapter.
- (a) The hearing officer shall consider evidence submitted by the parties and take testimony from witnesses.
- (b) The hearing officer is not bound by common law or statutory rules of evidence.
- (3) The hearing officer shall issue a written order within 28 days of the board agent's referral of the matter to the hearing officer.
- (4) A hearing officer may, at the hearing officer's discretion or upon good cause shown by a party, extend the order deadline for an additional period not to exceed a total of 35 days from the matter's referral to the hearing officer.
- (5) Unless the rule specifically states otherwise, the hearing officer's orders issued under this rule are subject to review by the board under ARM 24.26.254.
Authorizing statute(s): 39-31-104, 39-32-103, MCA
Implementing statute(s): 39-31-202, 39-31-207, 39-31-208, 39-32-113, MCA
History: NEW, 2020 MAR p. 2422, Eff. 12/25/20.