Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 233.112 - Public hearings(a) The purpose of a public hearing, in contrast to a meeting or a disciplinary proceeding of the Commission, is to receive testimony from witnesses on proposed actions and recommendations of the Commission. Public hearings and deliberations of the Commission will take place in a public forum.(b) Public hearings called will specify a date, time, place and purpose, and, if possible, be announced at least 30 days in advance. The call for a hearing will be advertised in accordance with law.(c) The Commission may call a public hearing for a specific purpose or to receive testimony on a specific issue outside of the charges of the standing committees. Public hearings will be chaired by the Commission Chairperson or a designee.(d) At least one Commissioner will preside and hear testimony at each public hearing.(e) Within the limits of the budget, the Commission and its committees will strive to hold several public hearings on a particular issue at sites located throughout this Commonwealth. If only one public hearing for a specific issue is called, it will ordinarily be held in Harrisburg.(f) Hearings will be arranged and supervised by the Executive Director.(g) Testimony shall be submitted in writing at the time testimony is presented. Ample copies of testimony should be provided by witnesses for the Commissioners presiding and staff members present at the hearing.(h) The Commission, committee or Chairperson of the public hearing may request the presence of legal counsel, Department or Commission staff persons.(i) Unless otherwise modified by the Chairperson of the public hearing or the commissioner presiding, the following apply to public hearings:(1) A person may be heard by the Commission or committee in person, in writing, or through a designated representative.(2) Witnesses will be allotted 10 minutes each to present testimony.(3) Only one witness will be heard from any one designated organization. When several hearings are held Statewide, the committee chairperson may limit testimony from an organization to one of the several hearing sites.(4) Witnesses will be scheduled in advance but should appear at the public hearing site in time to allow for schedule changes.(5) Persons, groups or organizations will be heard orally or through written testimony, or both. Commissioners, legal counsel or Department/Commission staff persons may question witnesses.(6) Twenty-five copies of written testimony submitted in lieu of oral testimony should be provided to the Executive Director of the Commission in Harrisburg.The provisions of this §233.112 adopted May 3, 2002, effective 5/4/2002, 32 Pa.B. 2226.