Sec. 14.09.01.07. Powers and Duties of Commissioners

A. A Commissioner shall:

(1) Conduct a full, fair, and impartial hearing;

(2) Take action to avoid unnecessary delay in the disposition of the proceedings; and

(3) Maintain order.

B. A Commissioner has the power to regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of the parties and authorized representatives, including but not limited to, the power to:

(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) Issue subpoenas for witnesses and the production of evidence;

(3) Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant and material evidence;

(4) Consider and rule upon motions and requests;

(5) Examine witnesses and call witnesses as necessary to ensure a full and complete record;

(6) Limit repetitious testimony and reasonably limit the time for presentations;

(7) Grant a continuance of a hearing;

(8) Issue orders as are necessary to secure procedural simplicity and administrative fairness and to eliminate unjustifiable expense and delay;

(9) Conduct the hearing in a manner suited to ascertain the facts and safeguard the rights of the parties to the hearing; and

(10) Impose appropriate sanctions for the failure to abide by this chapter or any lawful order of the Commissioner.