<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" citation="COMAR 12.04.03.06" title_num="12" subtitle_num="04" chapter_num="03" heading="Presiding Officer—Duties.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Commission chairman, or a designee, shall be the presiding officer who shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Be in charge of the hearing;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Permit the examination of witnesses;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Rule on the admissibility of evidence;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Decide the order in which parties may testify, present evidence, or present argument;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Adjourn or recess the hearing from time to time;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Decide if a party is required to submit a written brief or motion supporting the party's position and establish deadlines for submissions;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Reschedule the hearing if a majority of the Commission is not present; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Maintain a record of the hearing as required under State Government Article, §10-218, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The presiding officer shall determine that a party:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Has been informed of the nature of the proceedings;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Understands the language and intent of these regulations; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Is cognizant of the rights under applicable statutes upon which the subject of the hearing is conducted as well as rights under these regulations.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the presiding officer is not satisfied that a party is fully informed as to these matters, the presiding officer shall note this on the record.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The presiding officer when deciding the case or issuing an order pursuant to the provisions of these regulations and of law shall inform the party of the right to appeal a decision or order and the methods and procedures for making that appeal.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The presiding officer may:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Examine witnesses;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Call witnesses; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Request the Office of the Attorney General to provide counsel to the Commission and to Commission staff who may be presenting evidence at the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>