1. (a) The chief administrative law judge of the office may set a fee for a hearing before the office under this subchapter.

2. (b) The chief administrative law judge of the office shall set the fee in an amount that:

   1. (1) is not less than $250; and
   2. (2) allows the office to recover all or a substantial part of its costs in holding hearings.
3. (c) The chief administrative law judge of the office by rule may establish a graduated fee scale, increasing the fee in relation to the amount in controversy.

4. (d) The office may:

   1. (1) assess the fee against the party who does not prevail in the hearing; or
   2. (2) apportion the fee against the parties in an equitable manner.

Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1352, Sec. 9, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.