Informal hearings are structured similarly to formal hearings, although more relaxed. As such, informal hearings will generally be organized as follows:

1. (1) All parties and witnesses will be sworn in by a hearings officer to tell the truth;
2. (2) Each party may then provide a short explanation of what the testimony of their witnesses and evidence will show;
3. (3) Next, each party may call witnesses to testify, beginning with the party that is appealing. The opposing party will have an opportunity to ask each witness questions, and the party calling the witness an opportunity to ask the witness questions to clarify the testimony; and
4. (4) Each party may summarize the testimony and evidence that supports their case, beginning with the appellant.

5. (5) In appeals where the respondent is the party with the burden of proof, the board may permit the respondent to present their evidence and arguments first.

   The board or hearing officer may ask a party, a representative, or a witness a question at any time during the hearing.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 82.03.170. WSR 25-02-077, s 456-10-540, filed 12/24/24, effective 1/24/25; WSR 22-13-111, § 456-10-540, filed 6/15/22, effective 7/16/22; WSR 05-13-141, § 456-10-540, filed 6/21/05, effective 8/1/05; WSR 89-10-057 (Order 89-03), § 456-10-540, filed 5/2/89.]