Section 336.130  Consolidation and Severing Issues and Parties

a)         When common issues of fact or law are raised in more than one appeal, the Chief ALJ may consolidate the appeals into a single group hearing.  Individuals shall be permitted to present their own cases separately.  Nothing in this Section shall override confidentiality considerations.

b)         The Chief ALJ may also combine all appeals and issues involving a single appellant, whether arising under this Part or any other Part, into one hearing.

c)         The Chief ALJ, if required for the fair and efficient administration of the administrative appeal hearing or to prevent possible prejudice to the appellant, may sever any party or any issue from the consolidated hearing.  The party or issue severed from the consolidated hearing shall be heard separately.

d)         The Chief ALJ shall decide the order in which to hear any appeal or issue that has been severed.

e)         The Chief ALJ may delegate any decision under this Section to any ALJ who has been assigned to hear one or more of the appeals.

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 15260, effective December 6, 2017)