Iowa Admin. Code r. 561-7.8 - Disqualification of presiding officer

(1) Grounds for disqualification.

a. A presiding officer shall not participate in the making of a proposed or final decision if the individual has investigated, prosecuted or advocated in connection with that case, the specific controversy underlying that case, or another pending factually related controversy that may culminate in a case involving the same parties.

b. A presiding officer shall not be subject to the authority, direction or discretion of any person who has investigated, prosecuted or advocated in connection with that case, the specific controversy underlying that case or a pending factually related case or controversy involving the same parties.

c. A member of an agency having jurisdiction of a case shall not participate in the making of a final decision or order if the member is employed by, receives directly or indirectly personal income from, or has other substantial connection with a person subject to permit or enforcement action pending before the agency if that person would be substantially affected by the outcome of the case.

d. A presiding officer shall not be biased for or against any party.

(2) Affidavit asserting disqualification.

a. A party may file an affidavit asserting disqualification of a presiding officer under this subrule at any time, except that an affidavit against a member of the commission on appeal or review of the proposed decision shall be filed prior to any hearing on appeal or review of the proposed decision. A determination as to whether that individual should participate shall be made by the agency before further participation by that individual.

b. Any party to a contested case proceeding may file an affidavit alleging a violation of subrule 7.8(1), and the agency shall determine the matter as part of the record in the contested case. When an agency makes such a determination with respect to any agency member, that determination shall be subject to de novo judicial review in any appeal of the contested case decision.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 561-7.8