1. (a) Neutral hearing site. SOAH will designate a neutral hearing site in accordance with applicable law.

2. (b) Factors judge may consider. In designating a hearing site not in Austin, the judge may consider the following factors:

   1. (1) the amount in controversy;
   2. (2) the number of persons in the geographical region affected by the outcome of the hearing;
   3. (3) the estimated length of the hearing;
   4. (4) the availability of hearing facilities;
   5. (5) the costs to and preferences of the parties;
   6. (6) the location of witnesses;
   7. (7) the availability and feasibility of videoconference technology as a means to reduce costs to SOAH and the parties;
   8. (8) legislative restrictions on travel; and
   9. (9) any applicable law or other factor relevant to the fair and expeditious resolution of the case.

Source Note:The provisions of this §155.403 adopted to be effective November 26, 2008, 33 TexReg 9451.