1. A. Upon written request of any party, the hearing officer may require parties to comply with reasonable discovery requests. Oral and written depositions are prohibited except to preserve the testimony of persons who are sick or elderly, or persons who will not be able to attend the hearing.

2. B. At least fifteen (15) calendar days before the hearing, each party shall file the following information with the hearing officer and send copies to the other parties:

   (1) the name of each witness that the party will or may call at the hearing;

   (2) a summary of the anticipated direct testimony of each witness and, if the testimony includes expert opinions, a list of documents or other information that provides the bases for those opinions;

   (3) an estimate of the length of time for the direct testimony of each witness; and

   (4) a list of exhibits that will or may be offered into evidence at the hearing. In addition, each party shall provide the other parties, but not the hearing officer, with copies of all exhibits that are identified on the exhibit list but have not been provided previously.

3. C. Parties are encouraged to enter into stipulations of fact to expedite the hearing process. Any stipulations must be filed jointly with the hearing officer at least ten (10) working days before the hearing.

[9.2.22.16 NMAC - N, 4/1/2004]