(1)Functions of the Transportation Oversight Division. The Transportation Oversight Division of the Department of Public Utilities (Department) shall perform all the designated functions in relation to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of M.G.L. c. 159A and 159B, other than the making of rules and regulations, the establishment and fixing of rates and adjudication of rate investigations in which the propriety of the rate is the prime issue.(2)Presiding Officer. Hearings shall be conducted by a presiding officer who shall be the Director, Assistant Director, hearings officers of the Transportation Oversight Division, or any other employee of the Transportation Oversight Division, designated by the Chairman of the Commission of the Department of Public Utilities or the Director of the Transportation Oversight Division. The presiding officer is hereby designated and assigned to hear, examine, investigate, and decide on new applications for, or transfer of, carrier certificates or certificates of compliance with state regulations, as well as preside at hearings in which suspension or revocation of a certificate is involved. The presiding officer shall administer oaths and affirmations, issue subpoenas, and make all decisions regarding the admission or exclusion of evidence or any other procedural matter that may arise in the course of the hearing. Any ruling of the presiding officer may be appealed to the Director or, in his absence, the Assistant Director.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1309, eff. 3/25/2016.