The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services must grant a group hearing if recipients request a group hearing on a question of agency policy. In all cases, except food stamp cases, the request must be in writing, signed by each appellant, and state the common issue(s). Requests for group hearings in food stamp cases may be oral or written. An appellant may also withdraw from a group hearing at any time before a final decision. If an appellant wishes to withdraw, he must make the request in writing and sign it. Group hearings follow the same procedures as individual hearings.