1. (a) In any proceeding, on the hearing officer's own motion or on the motion of a party, the hearing officer may direct the parties or their attorneys or representatives to appear at a specified time and place for a conference prior to the hearing for the purpose of formulating issues and considering:

   1. (1) the simplification of issues;
   2. (2) the possibility of making admissions of certain averments of fact or stipulations concerning the use by any party of matters of public record to avoid the unnecessary introduction of proof;
   3. (3) the procedure at hearing;
   4. (4) the limitation, where possible, of the number of witnesses; and
   5. (5) such other matters as may aid in the simplification of the proceedings and the disposition of the matters in controversy, including settlement of the issues.
2. (b) Action taken at the conference shall be recorded in an appropriate manner by the hearing officer, unless the parties enter into a written agreement approved by the hearing officer.

Source Note:The provisions of this §1.37 adopted to be effective December 26, 1995, 20 TexReg 11035.