1. (a) A district may adopt rules establishing procedures for contested hearings consistent with Subchapters C, D, and F, Chapter 2001, Government Code, including the authority to issue a subpoena, require a deposition, or order other discovery.
2. (b) Except as provided by this section and Sections 36.416 and 36.4165, Chapter 2001, Government Code, does not apply to a hearing under this subchapter.

3. (c) The district shall adopt rules to:

   1. (1) establish a procedure for preliminary and evidentiary hearings;
   2. (2) allow the presiding officer, at a preliminary hearing by the district and before a referral of the case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings, to determine a party's right to participate in a hearing according to Section 36.415(b)(2); and
   3. (3) set a deadline for a party to file a request to refer a contested case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings under Section 36.416.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 970 (H.B. 1763), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 53 (S.B. 693), Sec. 4, eff. May 12, 2011.

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 53 (S.B. 693), Sec. 5, eff. May 12, 2011.