# Sec. 13-1150. Impartiality

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 13-1150. Impartiality

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 13-1150 (2026)

(a) In general. An Administrative Hearing Officer should disqualify himself or herself from any hearing in which the Administrative Hearing Officer's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including any instances in which the Administrative Hearing Officer:

  (1) has a personal bias or prejudice about a party;

  (2) has personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts in the proceeding;

  (3) served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy or was professionally associated with another person while that person served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy;

  (4) has been a material witness to the matter;

  (5) has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding;

  (6) has any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding;

  (7) knows that his or her spouse or dependent child:

    (A) is serving as a lawyer in the matter in controversy or is professionally associated with another person who is serving as a lawyer in the matter in controversy;

    (B) is likely to be a material witness in the proceeding;

    (C) has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding; or

    (D) has any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding; or

  (8) any other reason creating a conflict of interest.

(b) Motion to disqualify.

  (1) A party may request that an Administrative Hearing Officer disqualify him- or herself for good cause shown. The request shall be ruled on by the Administrative Hearing Officer in the proceeding.

  (2) If the Administrative Hearing Officer denies the request, the party may obtain a brief adjournment to seek review by the Hearing Administrator.

(c) Notice of disqualification. When an Administrative Hearing Officer disqualifies him- or herself from a proceeding, the Administrative Hearing Officer shall do so on the record and shall notify the Hearing Administrator of the recusal.

(d) Replacement. On disqualification of an Administrative Hearing Officer, the Hearing Administrator shall appoint another Administrative Hearing Officer to conduct the hearing.