220 R.I. Code R. 220-RICR-50-10-2.6

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 220-RICR-50-10-2.6 - Prehearing Conferences

A. The Department encourages the use of prehearing conferences as a means of making more effective use of hearing time and to otherwise aid in the disposition of the proceeding or the settlement thereof, where appropriate.

B. The Hearing Officer may, with reasonable written notice, require that all Parties attend a prehearing conference to consider the following:

1. the simplification, narrowing, and clarification of the issues;

2. the possibility of obtaining written stipulations, admissions, and/or agreements with respect to the introduction of documents or similar agreements to avoid unnecessary issues of proof, at hearing;

3. the identification of witnesses and any limitation of the number of witnesses;

4. the possibility of agreement disposing of all or any of the issues in dispute;

5. the consideration of outstanding motions;

6. the status of settlement negotiations, if any;

7. the possibility of use of pre-filed testimony, where appropriate;

8. issues related to discovery, including possible resolution of disputes related to the scope of the discovery and any limitation(s) of data and/or document requests;

9. scheduling of hearings; and

10. such other matters as may aid in the efficient conduct of the regulatory proceeding.

C. All Parties shall attend the prehearing conference fully prepared to discuss all matters related to the proceedings. Failure of any Party to attend the prehearing conference may constitute a waiver of all objections to any order or ruling issued by the Hearing Officer as a result of the prehearing conference unless good cause is shown for failure to appear.

D. At the sole discretion of the Hearing Officer, the Parties may be permitted to waive the prehearing conference by filing with the Hearing Officer a stipulation prior to the prehearing conference that contains the following:

1. Any agreement with respect to the issues in the matter;

2. an agreed upon discovery schedule;

3. three (3) agreed upon possible dates for a hearing; and

4. any other agreements as to matters contained in § 2.6(B) of this Part.

E. In the discretion of the Hearing Officer, with agreement of the parties, prehearing conferences, conference hearings, or status hearings may be held by telephone, electronically, or by any other means.

220 R.I. Code R. 220-RICR-50-10-2.6