1. (a) The commissioner may designate and appoint an administrative law judge to act on behalf of the State Board of Education in conducting any hearing or proceeding held under this subchapter and to prepare proposals for decision on those hearings.
2. (b) The administrative law judge has the authority to administer oaths; call and examine witnesses; issue subpoenas; make rulings on motions, admissibility of evidence, and amendments to pleadings; maintain decorum; schedule and recess the proceedings from day to day; and make any other orders as justice requires.
3. (c) If the administrative law judge is unable to continue presiding over a case at any time before the final decision, another administrative law judge will be appointed who shall perform any remaining function without the necessity of repeating any previous proceedings.

Source Note:The provisions of this §157.3 adopted to be effective October 10, 1999, 24 TexReg 8548.