Section 2530.380  Authority of Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer shall have the duty to conduct a fair hearing, to take all necessary action to avoid delay, to maintain order, and to ensure development of a clear and complete record.  He shall have all powers necessary to these ends, including but not limited to the power to:

a)         Rule upon offers of proof and receive evidence and rule upon objections to the introduction of evidence;

b)         Regulate the course of the hearings and the conduct of the parties and their counsel therein;

c)         Interrogate witnesses;

d)         Hold pre-hearing conferences for settlement, simplification of the issues, or any other proper purpose.

(Source:  Amended at 6 Ill. Reg. 10687, effective August 25, 1982)