| (a) Judge's authority. The judge has authority to:
(1) issue orders to control the conduct and scope of
the proceeding;
(2) rule on motions;
(3) establish deadlines;
(4) schedule and conduct prehearing or posthearing
conferences;
(5) require the prefiling of exhibits and testimony;
(6) set out requirements for participation in the case;
and
(7) take other steps conducive to a fair and efficient
contested case process.
(b) Record of rulings. Rulings not made orally at a
recorded prehearing conference or hearing shall be in writing and
issued to all parties of record.
(c) Consolidation or joinder for hearing. The judge
may order that cases be consolidated or joined for hearing if:
(1) there are common issues of law or fact; and
(2) consolidation or joint hearing will promote the
fair and efficient handling of the matters.
(d) Severance of issues. The judge may order severance
of issues if separate hearings on the issues will promote the fair
and efficient handling of the matters.
(e) Referral to mediation. The judge may order referral
of a case to mediation or other appropriate alternative dispute resolution
procedure as provided by the Governmental Dispute Resolution Act,
Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2009, and the statute creating SOAH, Tex.
Gov't Code Chapter 2003.
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