N.M. Admin. Code § 20.1.1.400

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 20.1.1.400 - HEARING PROCEDURES - CONDUCT OF HEARINGS

A. The rules of civil procedure and the rules of evidence shall not apply.

B. The hearing officer shall conduct the hearing so as to provide a reasonable opportunity for all persons to be heard without making the hearing unreasonably lengthy or cumbersome, or burdening the record with unnecessary repetition. The hearing shall proceed as follows.

(1) The hearing shall begin with an opening statement from the hearing officer. The statement shall identify the nature and subject matter of the hearing and explain the procedures to be followed.

(2) The hearing officer may allow a brief opening statement by any party who wishes to make one.

(3) Unless otherwise ordered, the petitioner shall present its case first.

(4) The hearing officer shall establish an order for the testimony of other participants. The order may be based upon notices of intent to present technical testimony, sign-in sheets and the availability of witnesses who cannot be present for the entire hearing.

(5) If the hearing continues for more than one day, the hearing officer shall provide an opportunity each day for testimony from members of the general public. Members of the general public who wish to present testimony should indicate their intent on a sign-in sheet.

(6) The hearing officer may allow a brief closing argument by any person who wishes to make one.

(7) At the close of the hearing, the hearing officer shall determine whether to keep the record open for written submittals in accordance with 20.1.1.404 NMAC. If the record is kept open, the hearing officer shall determine and announce the subject(s) on which submittals will be allowed and the deadline for filing the submittals.

C. If the hearing is conducted at multiple locations, the hearing officer may require the petitioner's witnesses to summarize their testimony or be available for cross-examination at each location. Other participants are not required to testify at more than one location, and the hearing officer may prohibit a witness from testifying at more than one location.

N.M. Admin. Code § 20.1.1.400

20.1.1.400 NMAC - Rp, 20 NMAC 1.1.IV.400, 08/27/06; A, 04/16/12, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXIX, Issue 06, March 27, 2018, eff. 4/14/2018