1. (a) The chair shall preside over hearings and pre-hearing conferences.
2. (b) Upon the chair’s own initiative, or upon the motion of any party or intervenor, the chair shall withdraw for good cause.

3. (c) Good cause shall exist if the chair:

   1. (1) Has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter, including but not limited to, a financial or family relationship with any party or intervenor;
   2. (2) Has made statements or engaged in behavior which objectively demonstrate that he or she has prejudged the facts of the case; or
   3. (3) Believes that he or she cannot fairly preside over the matter.
4. (d) Mere knowledge of the issues or acquaintance with any party, intervenor or witness shall not constitute good cause for withdrawal.

5. (e) The chair shall:

   1. (1) Regulate and control the course of the hearing;
   2. (2) Facilitate settlement of the issues;
   3. (3) Administer oaths and affirmations;
   4. (4) Receive evidence having a reasonably probative value and exclude irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence;
   5. (5) Rule on procedural requests made by motion or on the chair’s own initiative;
   6. (6) Question witnesses to the extent required to make a full and fair record; and
   7. (7) Take any other action consistent with applicable statutes, rules and case law necessary to conduct the hearing and complete the record in a fair and timely manner.

Source. #2659, eff 3-28-84; EXPIRED 3-28-90 New. #5481, eff 11-1-92, EXPIRED: 11-1-98 New. #8509, eff 12-09-05