Iowa Admin. Code r. 191-3.20 - Hearing procedures

(1) The presiding officer presides at the hearing and may rule on motions, require briefs, issue a proposed decision, and issue such orders and rulings as will ensure orderly conduct of the proceedings.

(2) The presiding officer shall conduct the hearing in the following manner:

a. The presiding officer shall give an opening statement briefly describing the nature of the proceedings;

b. Parties shall be given an opportunity to present opening statements;

c. Parties shall present their cases in the sequence determined by the presiding officer;

d. Each witness shall be sworn or affirmed by the presiding officer, the court reporter, or a person otherwise authorized by law and be subject to examination and cross-examination. The presiding officer may limit questioning in a manner consistent with law; and

e. When all parties and witnesses have been heard, parties may be given the opportunity to present final arguments.

(3) The presiding officer shall maintain the decorum of the hearing and may refuse to admit or may expel a person whose conduct is disorderly.

(4) Parties have the right to participate and to be represented by an attorney in all hearings or prehearing conferences related to their case. Any party may be represented by an attorney or another person authorized by law, subject to Iowa Court Rule 31.14.

(5) Subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the presiding officer, parties have the right to introduce evidence on issues of material fact, cross-examine witnesses present at the hearing as necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts, present evidence in rebuttal, and submit briefs and engage in oral argument.

(6) All objections shall be timely made and stated on the record.

(7) Witnesses may be sequestered during the hearing. This rule does not authorize exclusion of (1) a party who is a natural person, or (2) an officer or employee of a party that is not a natural person designated as its representative by its attorney, or (3) a person whose presence is shown by a party to be essential to presentation of the cause.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 191-3.20

Amended by IAB September 23, 2020/Volume XLIII, Number 7, effective 10/28/2020 Adopted by IAB March 20, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 19, effective 4/24/2024