Section 1.50  Ex Parte Consultations

a)         Except in the disposition of matters which they are authorized by law to entertain or dispose of on an ex parte basis, neither commission members, employees, nor Administrative Law Judges shall, after notice of hearing in a contested case, communicate, directly or indirectly, in connection with any issue of fact, with any person or party, or in connection with any other issue with any party or his representative, except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate.

b)         Communications regarding procedure, such as format of pleadings, number of copies required, manner of service, status of proceedings, and continuances are not considered to be ex parte communications.  However, requests for continuances shall not be granted until the opposing party is notified either orally or in writing that a request is going to be made.

(Source:  Amended at 19 Ill. Reg. 12451, effective August 21, 1995)