[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 17, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76832-76846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29772]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Part 26

[Docket No. FR-5084-F-02]
RIN 2501-AD24


Revision of Hearing Procedures

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HUD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule amends the hearing procedures before hearing 
officers who have the responsibility for adjudicating those matters 
that do not raise issues under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). 
This final rule also amends the hearing procedures before 
Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who have the responsibility for 
adjudicating those matters that are subject to the requirements of the 
APA. Specifically, the final rule modifies pleading and motion 
requirements of the hearing procedures, and the procedures for the 
review of hearing officers' determinations. It also amends the 
discovery and deposition requirements to clarify the hearing officers' 
discovery procedures and to specifically allow for written 
interrogatories, in addition to depositions, requests for production of 
documents, and requests for admissions. Additionally, the final rule 
amends the discovery, appeal, and judicial review procedures related to 
hearings that are conducted pursuant to the APA. This final rule 
follows a September 8, 2008, published rule, and no comments were 
received in response to that rule. This final rule adopts the proposed 
rule without change. The changes made by this final rule better reflect 
current practice and conform the regulations more closely to statutory 
requirements.

DATES: Effective Date: January 16, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dane Narode, Associate General Counsel 
for Program Enforcement, Office of General Counsel, Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, 1250 Maryland Avenue, SW., Suite 200, 
Washington, DC 20024-0500; telephone number 202-708-2350 (this is not a 
toll-free number); e-mail address: [email protected]. Hearing- or 
speech-impaired individuals may access the telephone number above by 
calling

[[Page 76833]]

the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    HUD's regulations implementing rules of procedure for hearings are 
located at 24 CFR part 26. Subpart A of part 26 applies to those 
hearing procedures before hearing officers who have the responsibility 
for adjudicating those matters that do not raise issues under the APA. 
HUD utilizes these rules of procedure with respect to determinations by 
the Multifamily Participation Review Committee, to: (1) Hearings 
conducted pursuant to referrals by debarring or suspending officials 
under 2 CFR part 2424; (2) hearings conducted pursuant to 24 CFR 
17.150-17.170; and (3) other administrative disputes. Subpart B of part 
26 applies to those hearing procedures before ALJs who have the 
responsibility for adjudicating those matters that are subject to the 
requirements of the APA.

II. The September 8, 2008, Proposed Rule

    On September 8, 2008, at 73 FR 52112, HUD published a rule that 
proposed to amend HUD's hearing procedures to reflect current practice 
and to more closely conform to applicable statutes; the hearing 
provisions of the APA; and the hearing procedures in HUD's regulations 
found in 24 CFR part 25 (Mortgagee Review Board), part 28 
(Implementation of the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act), and part 30 
(Civil Money Penalties: Certain Prohibited Conduct). Additionally, the 
regulatory sections were proposed to be reordered to better track the 
normal course of a hearing conducted under 24 CFR part 26. The preamble 
to the September 8, 2008, proposed rule at 73 FR 52112 through 52114 
sets out in more detail the amendments that were proposed to be made to 
the regulations in part 26.
    The September 8, 2008, proposed rule provided a 60-day public 
comment period. HUD received no public comments by the date of the 
close of the public comment period on November 7, 2008.

III. This Final Rule

    At this final rule stage, HUD adopts the proposed rule without 
change.

IV. Small Business Concerns Related to Board Enforcement Actions

    With respect to enforcement actions undertaken pursuant to the 
procedures provided in this rule, HUD is cognizant that section 222 of 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 
104-121) (SBREFA) requires the Small Business and Agriculture 
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to ``work with each agency with 
regulatory authority over small businesses to ensure that small 
business concerns that receive or are subject to an audit, on-site 
inspection, compliance assistance effort, or other enforcement related 
communication or contact by agency personnel are provided with a means 
to comment on the enforcement activity conducted by this personnel.'' 
To implement this statutory provision, the Small Business 
Administration has requested that federal agencies include the 
following language on agency publications and notices that are provided 
to small business concerns at the time the enforcement action is 
undertaken. The language is as follows:

Your Comments Are Important

    The Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement 
Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were established to 
receive comments from small businesses about federal agency 
enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the 
enforcement activities and rate each agency's responsiveness to 
small business. If you wish to comment on the enforcement actions of 
[insert agency name], you will find the necessary comment forms at 
www.sba.gov/ombudsman or call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).

    In accordance with its notice describing HUD's actions on the 
implementation of SBREFA, which was published on May 21, 1998 (63 FR 
28214), HUD will include the language cited above on notices 
implementing enforcement actions, to ensure that small entities have 
the full means to comment on the enforcement activity conducted by HUD.

V. Findings and Certifications

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory flexibility 
analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This rule clarifies pleading, discovery, and motion requirements that 
apply to hearings before HUD hearing officers and ALJs, respectively, 
by codifying current practice and by eliminating the need for parties 
to refer to outside sources, such as the Federal Rules of Civil 
Procedure, for routine requirements. Procedures that apply to parties 
in matters adjudicated in such hearings do not change significantly as 
a result of this rule, whether or not parties are small entities. These 
revisions impose no significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities. Therefore, the undersigned certifies that this rule 
will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Environmental Impact

    This rule does not direct, provide for assistance or loan and 
mortgage insurance for, or otherwise govern or regulate, real property 
acquisition, disposition, leasing, rehabilitation, alteration, 
demolition, or new construction, or establish, revise, or provide for 
standards for construction or construction materials, manufactured 
housing, or occupancy. Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(1), this rule 
is categorically excluded from environmental review under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits, to the 
extent practicable and permitted by law, an agency from promulgating a 
regulation that has federalism implications and either imposes 
substantial direct compliance costs on state and local governments and 
is not required by statute, or preempts state law, unless the relevant 
requirements of Section 6 of the Executive Order are met. This rule 
does not have federalism implications and does not impose substantial 
direct compliance costs on state and local governments or preempt state 
law within the meaning of the Executive Order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) (2 
U.S.C. 1531-1538) establishes requirements for federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on state, local, and 
tribal governments and the private sector. This rule would not impose 
any federal mandates on any state, local, or tribal government or the 
private sector within the meaning of UMRA.

List of Subjects for 24 CFR Part 26

    Administrative practice and procedure.

0
Accordingly, for the reasons discussed in the preamble, HUD amends 
title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations by revising part 26 to read 
as follows:

[[Page 76834]]

PART 26--HEARING PROCEDURES

Subpart A--Hearings Before Hearing Officers
Sec.
26.1 Purpose and scope.

Hearing Officer

26.2 Hearing officer, powers, and duties.
26.3 Ex parte communications.
26.4 Sanctions.
26.5 Disqualification of hearing officer.

Representation of the Parties

26.6 Department representative.
26.7 Respondent's representative.
26.8 Standards of practice.

Pleadings and Motions

26.9 Form and filing requirements.
26.10 Service.
26.11 Time computation.
26.12 Notice of administrative action.
26.13 Complaint.
26.14 Answer.
26.15 Amendments and supplemental pleadings.
26.16 Motions.

Discovery

26.17 Prehearing conference.
26.18 Discovery.
26.19 Request for production of documents.
26.20 Depositions.
26.21 Written interrogatories.
26.22 Requests for admissions.

Hearings

26.23 Public nature and timing of hearings; transcripts.
26.24 Rules of evidence.
26.25 Hearing officer's determination and order.

Secretarial Review

26.26 Review of determination of hearing officers
26.27 Interlocutory rulings.
Subpart B--Hearings Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act
26.28 Purpose and scope.
26.29 Definitions.
26.30 Service and filing.
26.31 Time computations.

Administrative Law Judge

26.32 Powers and duties of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
26.33 Ex parte communications.
26.34 Sanctions.
26.35 Disqualification of ALJ.

Parties

26.36 Parties to the hearing.
26.37 Separation of functions.

Prehearing Procedures

26.38 Commencement of action.
26.39 Prehearing conferences.
26.40 Motions.
26.41 Default.

Discovery

26.42 Discovery.
26.43 Subpoenas.
26.44 Protective orders.

Hearings

26.45 General.
26.46 Witnesses.
26.47 Evidence.
26.48 Posthearing briefs.
26.49 The record.
26.50 Initial decision.
26.51 Interlocutory rulings.
26.52 Appeal to the Secretary.
26.53 Exhaustion of administrative remedies.
26.54 Judicial review.
26.55 Collection of civil penalties and assessments.
26.56 Right to administrative offset.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).

Subpart A--Hearings Before Hearing Officers


Sec.  26.1  Purpose and scope.

    This part sets forth rules of procedure in certain proceedings of 
the Department of Housing and Urban Development presided over by a 
hearing officer. These rules of procedure apply to administrative 
sanction hearings pursuant to 2 CFR part 2424 and to hearings with 
respect to determinations by the Multifamily Participation Review 
Committee pursuant to 24 CFR part 200, subpart H, to the extent that 
these regulations are not inconsistent and unless these regulations 
provide otherwise. They also apply in any other case where a hearing is 
required by statute or regulation, to the extent that rules adopted 
under such statute or regulation are not inconsistent.

Hearing Officer


Sec.  26.2  Hearing officer, powers, and duties.

    (a) Hearing officer. Proceedings conducted under these rules shall 
be presided over by a hearing officer who shall be an Administrative 
Law Judge or Office of Appeals Administrative Judge authorized by the 
Secretary or designee to conduct proceedings under this part.
    (b) Time and place of hearing. The hearing officer shall set the 
time and place of any hearing and shall give reasonable notice to the 
parties.
    (c) Powers of hearing officers. The hearing officer shall conduct a 
fair and impartial hearing and take all action necessary to avoid delay 
in the disposition of proceedings and to maintain order. The hearing 
officer shall have all powers necessary to those ends, including, but 
not limited to, the power:
    (1) To administer oaths and affirmations;
    (2) To cause subpoenas to be issued as authorized by law;
    (3) To rule upon offers of proof and receive evidence;
    (4) To order or limit discovery as the interests of justice may 
require;
    (5) To regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of the 
parties and their counsel;
    (6) To hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the 
issues by consent of the parties;
    (7) To consider and rule upon all procedural and other motions 
appropriate in adjudicative proceedings;
    (8) To take notice of any material fact not appearing in evidence 
in the record that is properly a matter of judicial notice;
    (9) To make and file determinations; and
    (10) To exercise such other authority as is necessary to carry out 
the responsibilities of the hearing officer under subpart A of this 
part.


Sec.  26.3  Ex parte communications.

    (a) Definition. An ex parte communication is any communication with 
a hearing officer, direct or indirect, oral or written, concerning the 
merits or procedures of any pending proceeding that is made by a party 
in the absence of any other party.
    (b) Prohibition of ex parte communications. Ex parte communications 
are prohibited except where:
    (1) The purpose and content of the communication have been 
disclosed in advance or simultaneously to all parties; or
    (2) The communication is a request for information concerning the 
status of the case.
    (c) Procedure after receipt of ex parte communication. Any hearing 
officer who receives an ex parte communication that the hearing officer 
knows or has reason to believe is unauthorized shall promptly place the 
communication, or its substance, in all files and shall furnish copies 
to all parties. Unauthorized ex parte communications shall not be taken 
into consideration in deciding any matter in issue.


Sec.  26.4  Sanctions.

    (a) The hearing officer may sanction a person, including any party 
or representative, for failing to comply with an order, rule, or 
procedure governing the proceeding; failing to prosecute or defend an 
action; or engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the 
speedy, orderly, or fair conduct of the hearing.
    (b) Any sanction, including, but not limited to, those listed in 
paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, shall reasonably relate 
to the severity and nature of the failure or misconduct.
    (c) If a party refuses or fails to comply with an order of the 
hearing officer,

[[Page 76835]]

including an order compelling discovery, the hearing officer may enter 
any appropriate order necessary to the disposition of the hearing 
including a determination against the noncomplying party, including but 
not limited to, the following:
    (1) Draw an inference in favor of the requesting party with regard 
to the information sought;
    (2) In the case of requests for admission, regard each matter about 
which an admission is requested to be admitted;
    (3) Prohibit the party failing to comply with the order from 
introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying upon, testimony 
relating to the information sought; or
    (4) Strike any part of the pleadings or other submissions of the 
party failing to comply with the order.
    (d) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action brought under 
subpart A of this part, the hearing officer may dismiss the action or 
may issue an initial decision against the non-prosecuting or defending 
party.
    (e) The hearing officer may refuse to consider any motion, request, 
response, brief, or other document that is not filed in a timely 
fashion.


Sec.  26.5  Disqualification of hearing officer.

    (a) When a hearing officer believes there is a basis for 
disqualification in a particular proceeding, the hearing officer shall 
withdraw by notice on the record and shall notify the Secretary and the 
official initiating the action under appeal.
    (b) Whenever any party believes that the hearing officer should be 
disqualified from presiding in a particular proceeding, the party may 
file a motion with the hearing officer requesting the hearing officer 
to withdraw from presiding over the proceedings. This motion shall be 
supported by affidavits setting forth the alleged grounds for 
disqualification.
    (c) Upon the filing of a motion and affidavit, the hearing officer 
shall proceed no further in the case until the matter of 
disqualification is resolved.
    (d) If the hearing officer does not withdraw, a written statement 
of his or her reasons shall be incorporated in the record and the 
hearing shall proceed, unless the decision is appealed in accordance 
with the procedures set forth in Sec.  26.27.

Representation of the Parties


Sec.  26.6  Department representative.

    In each case heard before a hearing officer under this part, the 
Department shall be represented by attorneys from the Office of General 
Counsel.


Sec.  26.7  Respondent's representative.

    The party against whom the administrative action is taken may be 
represented at hearing, as follows:
    (a) Individuals may appear on their own behalf;
    (b) A member of a partnership or joint venture may appear on behalf 
of the partnership or joint venture;
    (c) A bona fide officer may appear on behalf of a corporation or 
association upon a showing of adequate authorization;
    (d) An attorney who files a notice of appearance with the hearing 
officer may represent any party. For purposes of this paragraph, an 
attorney is defined as a member of the bar of a federal court or of the 
highest court of any state or territory of the United States; or
    (e) An individual not included within paragraphs (a) through (d) of 
this section may represent the respondent upon an adequate showing, as 
determined by the hearing officer, that the individual possesses the 
legal, technical, or other qualifications necessary to advise and 
assist in the presentation of the case.


Sec.  26.8  Standards of practice.

    Attorneys shall conform to the standards of professional and 
ethical conduct required of practitioners in the courts of the United 
States and by the bars of which the attorneys are members. Any attorney 
may be prohibited by the hearing officer from representing a party if 
the attorney is not qualified under Sec.  26.7 or if such action is 
necessary to maintain order in or the integrity of the pending 
proceeding.

Pleadings and Motions


Sec.  26.9  Form and filing requirements.

    (a) Filing. Unless otherwise provided by statute, rule, or 
regulation:
    (1) Requests for hearings shall be filed with the Office of General 
Counsel's Docket Clerk, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 
451 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410. The OGC Docket Clerk shall 
assign the docket number and forward the case to HUD's Office of 
Appeals.
    (2) All other pleadings, submissions, and documents should be filed 
directly with the appropriate hearing officer.
    (3) Filing may be made by first class mail, delivery, facsimile 
transmission, or electronic means; however, the hearing officer may 
place reasonable limits on filing by facsimile or electronic means. 
Duplicate copies are not required unless so ordered by the hearing 
officer. A document is considered timely filed if postmarked on or 
before the date due or delivered to the appropriate person by the date 
due.
    (b) Title. Documents shall show clearly the title of the action and 
the docket number assigned by the Docket Clerk.
    (c) Form. To the fullest extent possible, all documents shall be 
printed or typewritten in clear, legible form.


Sec.  26.10  Service.

    (a) Method of Service. One copy of all pleadings, motions, and 
other documents required or permitted under these rules shall be served 
upon all parties by the person filing them and shall be accompanied by 
a certificate of service stating how and when such service has been 
made. Whenever these rules require or permit service to be made upon a 
party represented by an attorney, the service shall be made upon the 
attorney, unless service upon the party is ordered by the hearing 
officer. Service shall be made by delivery, by first class mail or 
overnight delivery to that person's last known address, by facsimile 
transmission, or by electronic means; however, the hearing officer may 
place reasonable limits on service by facsimile transmission or 
electronic means. Delivery of a copy within this rule means: handing it 
to the person to be served; or leaving it at that person's office with 
a clerk or other person in charge; or, if there is no one in charge, 
leaving it in a conspicuous place in the office; or, if the office is 
closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at that 
person's residence or usual place of abode with some person of suitable 
age and discretion who resides there. Service by mail, overnight 
delivery, facsimile transmission, or electronic means is complete upon 
deposit in a mail box, or upon posting, or upon electronic 
transmission.
    (b) Proof of Service. Proof of service shall not be required unless 
the fact of service is put in issue by appropriate motion or objection 
on the part of the person allegedly served. In these cases, service may 
be established by written receipt signed by or on behalf of the person 
to be served, or may be established prima facie by affidavit, 
certificate of service of mailing, or electronic receipt of sending.


Sec.  26.11  Time computation.

    (a) Generally. Computation of any period of time prescribed or 
allowed by this part shall begin with the first business day following 
the day on which the act, event, development, or default initiating the 
period of time occurred. When the last day of the period computed is a 
Saturday, Sunday, national holiday, or other day on which

[[Page 76836]]

the Department of Housing and Urban Development is closed, the period 
shall run until the end of the next following business day. When any 
prescribed or allowed period of time is 7 days or less, each of the 
Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays shall be excluded from the 
computation of the prescribed or allowed period.
    (b) Entry of orders. In computing any time period involving the 
date of the issuance of an order or decision by a hearing officer, the 
date of the issuance is the date the order or decision is served on the 
parties by the hearing officer or Docket Clerk.
    (c) Service by mail. If a document is served by mail, 3 days shall 
be added to the time permitted for a response.
    (d) Extensions of time periods. Except where mandated by statute, 
the hearing officer (or in the case of a review under Sec. Sec.  26.26 
and 26.27, the Secretary or designee) may upon motion enlarge the time 
within which any act required by these rules must be performed where 
necessary to avoid prejudicing the public interest or the rights of the 
parties.


Sec.  26.12  Notice of administrative action.

    In every case, there shall be a notice of administrative action. 
The notice shall be in writing and inform the party of the nature of 
that administrative action. The notice shall state the reasons for the 
proposed or imposed action, except where general terms are permitted by 
2 CFR part 2424, and shall inform the party of any right to a hearing 
to challenge the administrative action, and the manner and time in 
which to request such hearing. A supplemental notice may be issued in 
the discretion of the initiating official to add to or modify the 
reasons for the action.


Sec.  26.13  Complaint.

    (a) Respondent. A complaint shall be served upon the party against 
whom an administrative action is taken, who shall be called the 
respondent.
    (b) Grounds. The complaint shall state the legal and factual 
grounds upon which the administrative action is based. The grounds set 
forth in the complaint may not contain allegations beyond the scope of 
the notice of administrative action or any amendment thereto.
    (c) Notice of administrative action as complaint. A notice of 
administrative action may serve as a complaint provided the notice 
states it is also a complaint and complies with paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (d) Timing. When the notice does not serve as a complaint, the 
complaint shall be served on or before the 30th day after the referral 
to a hearing officer or a request for hearing is made, or within any 
other time period designated by the hearing officer.


Sec.  26.14  Answer.

    (a) Respondent shall file an answer within 30 days of receipt of 
the complaint, unless otherwise specified in this title or ordered by 
the hearing officer.
    (b) The answer shall:
    (1) Respond specifically to each factual allegation contained in 
the complaint;
    (2) Specifically plead any affirmative defense; and
    (3) Set forth any mitigating factors or extenuating circumstances.
    (c) A general denial shall not be permitted. Allegations are 
admitted when not specifically denied in respondent's answer.


Sec.  26.15  Amendments and supplemental pleadings.

    (a) Amendments. (1) By right: The Department may amend its 
complaint without leave at any time within 30 days of the date the 
complaint is filed or at any time before respondent's responsive 
pleading is filed, whichever is later. Respondent may amend its answer 
without leave at any time within 30 days of filing of its answer. A 
party shall plead in response to an amended pleading within 15 days of 
receipt of the amended pleading.
    (2) By leave: Upon conditions as are necessary to avoid prejudicing 
the public interest and the rights of the parties, the hearing officer 
may allow amendments to pleadings upon motion of any party.
    (3) Conformance to evidence: When issues not raised by the 
pleadings, but reasonably within the scope of the proceeding initiated 
by the complaint, are tried by express or implied consent to the 
parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been 
raised in the pleadings, and amendments of the pleadings necessary to 
make them conform to the evidence shall be allowed at any time.
    (b) Supplemental pleadings. The hearing officer may, upon 
reasonable notice, permit service of a supplemental pleading concerning 
transactions, occurrences, or events that have happened or been 
discovered since the date of prior pleadings.


Sec.  26.16  Motions.

    (a) Motions. Requests for rulings or actions to be taken by the 
hearing officer should be made, wherever appropriate, in the form of a 
motion. All motions from the commencement of the action until the 
issuance of a decision shall be addressed to the hearing officer, and 
shall be served upon all parties to the proceeding.
    (b) Content. All written motions shall state the particular order, 
ruling, or action desired and the grounds for granting the motion. The 
parties may submit a proposed order with any motion.
    (c) Responses to motions. Within 10 days after receipt of any 
written motion, or within any other period as may be designated by the 
hearing officer, the opposing party shall respond to the motion and set 
forth any objections to the motion. Failure to file a timely response 
to the motion may constitute a party's consent to the granting of the 
motion. The moving party shall have no right to reply, except as 
permitted by the hearing officer.
    (d) Motions for extensions of time. Either party may file a motion 
for extension. At the discretion of the hearing officer, a motion for 
an extension of time may be granted for good cause at any time, 
notwithstanding an objection or any reply to the motion consistent with 
the provisions of Sec.  26.2(c)(5) and (7). The hearing officer may 
waive the requirements of this section as to motions for extensions of 
time.
    (e) Oral argument. The hearing officer may order oral argument on 
any motion.
    (f) Motions for summary judgment.
    (1) A party claiming relief or a party against whom relief is 
sought may timely move, with or without supporting affidavits, for 
summary judgment on all or part of the claim.
    (2) Objections in the consideration of summary judgment motions or 
answers thereto based upon a failure to strictly comply with the 
provisions of Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure may, at 
the discretion of the hearing officer, be overruled.
    (g) Motions for dismissal. When a motion to dismiss the proceeding 
is granted, the hearing officer shall issue a determination and order 
in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  26.25.

Discovery


Sec.  26.17  Prehearing conference.

    (a) Prehearing conference. The hearing officer may, sua sponte or 
at the request of any party, direct counsel for all parties to confer 
with the hearing officer before the hearing for the purpose of 
considering:
    (1) Simplification and clarification of the issues;
    (2) Stipulations and admissions of fact and of the contents and 
authenticity of documents;

[[Page 76837]]

    (3) The disclosure of the names of witnesses;
    (4) Matters of which official notice will be taken;
    (5) Other matters as may aid in the orderly disposition of the 
proceeding, including disclosure of the documents or other physical 
exhibits that will be introduced into evidence in the course of the 
proceeding.
    (b) Recordation of prehearing conference. The prehearing conference 
shall, at the request of any party, be recorded or transcribed.
    (c) Order on prehearing conference. The hearing officer shall enter 
in the record an order that states the rulings upon matters considered 
during the conference, together with appropriate directions to the 
parties. The order shall control the subsequent course of the 
proceeding, subject to modifications upon good cause shown.


Sec.  26.18  Discovery.

    (a) General. The parties are encouraged to engage in voluntary 
discovery procedures, which may commence at any time after an answer 
has been filed. Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not 
privileged, that is relevant to the claim or defense of any party, 
including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and 
location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the 
identity and location of persons having knowledge of any discoverable 
matter. For good cause, the hearing officer may order discovery of any 
matter relevant to the subject matter involved in the action. To be 
relevant, information need not be admissible at the hearing, if the 
discovery appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of 
admissible evidence. Each party shall bear its own expenses associated 
with discovery. Discovery may include:
    (1) Requests for production of documents as set forth in Sec.  
26.19;
    (2) Depositions as set forth in Sec.  26.20;
    (3) Written interrogatories as set forth in Sec.  26.21; and
    (4) Requests for admissions as set forth in Sec.  26.22.
    (b) Supplementation of responses. A party who has responded to a 
request for discovery with a response is under a duty to timely amend a 
prior response to an interrogatory, request for production, or request 
for admission if so ordered by the hearing officer, or if the party 
learns that the response is in some material respect incomplete or 
incorrect and if the additional or corrective information has not 
otherwise been made known to the other parties during the discovery 
process or in writing.
    (c) Requesting an order. In connection with any discovery 
procedure, by motion addressed to the hearing officer and upon a 
showing of a good faith attempt to resolve the issue without the 
hearing officer's intervention, either party may:
    (1) Request an order compelling a response with respect to any 
objection to or other failure to respond to the discovery requested or 
any part thereof, or any failure to respond as specifically requested, 
or
    (2) Request a protective order limiting the scope, methods, time 
and place for discovery, and provisions for protecting privileged 
information or documents.
    (d) Limitations. (1) By order, the hearing officer may set or alter 
limits on the number of document requests, depositions, and 
interrogatories, or the length of depositions.
    (2) Orders compelling discovery shall be issued only where such 
discovery will not compel the disclosure of privileged information, 
unduly delay the hearing, or result in prejudice to the public interest 
or the rights of the parties, and upon a showing of good cause.
    (3) Protective orders may be issued by a hearing officer if the 
hearing officer determines such an order is necessary to protect a 
party or other person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or 
undue burden or expense because:
    (i) The discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, 
or is obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less 
burdensome, or less expensive;
    (ii) The party seeking discovery has had ample opportunity by 
discovery in the action to obtain the information sought; or
    (iii) The burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its 
likely benefit, taking into account the needs of the case, the amount 
in controversy, the parties' resources, the importance of the issues at 
stake in the litigation, and the importance of the proposed discovery 
in resolving the issues.
    (4) A party need not provide discovery of electronically stored 
information from sources that the party identifies as not reasonably 
accessible because of undue burden or cost. On motion to compel 
discovery or for a protective order, the party from whom discovery is 
sought must show that the information is not reasonably accessible 
because of undue burden or cost. If that showing is made, the hearing 
officer may nonetheless order discovery from such sources if the 
requesting party shows good cause or, when the party's refusal to 
provide the information sought is solely due to undue expense, if the 
party seeking the discovery agrees to bear the expense associated with 
the request.
    (e) Refusal to honor discovery order. When a party refuses to honor 
a discovery order, the hearing officer may issue such orders in regard 
to the refusal as justice shall require.


Sec.  26.19  Request for production of documents.

    (a) Request to produce. Any party may serve upon any other party a 
written request to produce, and permit the party making the request, or 
someone acting on the requestor's behalf, to inspect, copy, test, or 
sample any designated documents--including writings, drawings, graphs, 
charts, photographs, sound recordings, images, and other data or data 
compilations stored in any medium from which information can be 
obtained--translated, if necessary, by the respondent into reasonably 
usable form, or to inspect, copy, test, or sample any designated 
tangible things that constitute or contain matters within the scope of 
Sec.  26.18(a) and which are in the possession, custody, or control of 
the party upon whom the request is served.
    (b) Procedure. The request shall set forth, either by individual 
item or by category, the items to be inspected, and describe each with 
reasonable particularity. The request shall specify a reasonable time, 
place, and manner of making the inspection and performing the related 
acts. The request may specify the form or forms in which electronically 
stored information is to be produced.
    (c) Response to request to produce. The party upon whom the request 
is served shall serve a written response within 20 days after service 
of the request. A shorter or longer time may be directed by the hearing 
officer, or in the absence of such an order, agreed to by the parties 
in a written document that shall be timely submitted to the hearing 
officer. The response shall state, with respect to each item or 
category, whether inspection and related activities will be permitted 
as requested. If there are any objections to any requests, including 
objections to the requested form or forms for producing electronically 
stored information, the response shall state the reasons for such 
objections. If objection is made to part of an item or category, the 
part shall be specified and inspection of the remaining parts shall be 
permitted. If objection is made to the requested format or forms for 
producing electronically stored information--or if no form was 
specified in the request--

[[Page 76838]]

the responding party must state the form or forms it intends to use. 
The party submitting the request may move for an order under Sec.  
26.18(c)(1) with respect to any objection to or other failure to 
respond to the request or any part thereof, or any failure to permit 
inspection as requested.
    (d) Form of production. Unless the parties otherwise agree, or the 
hearing officer otherwise orders:
    (1) A party who produces documents for inspection shall produce 
them as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize 
and label them to correspond with the categories in the request;
    (2) If a request does not specify the format or forms for producing 
electronically stored information, a responding party must produce the 
information in a form or forms in which it is ordinarily maintained or 
in a form or forms that are reasonably usable; and
    (3) A party need not produce the same electronically stored 
information in more than one form.


Sec.  26.20  Depositions.

    (a) Taking oral deposition. A party may take the oral deposition of 
any person. Reasonable written notice of deposition shall be served 
upon the opposing party and the deponent. The attendance of a deponent 
may be compelled by subpoena where authorized by law or by other order 
of the hearing officer.
    (b) Testifying on oral deposition. Each person testifying on oral 
deposition shall be placed under oath by the person before whom the 
deposition is taken. The deponent may be examined and cross-examined. 
The questions and the answers, together with all objections made, shall 
be recorded by the person before whom the deposition is to be taken, or 
under that person's direction.
    (c) Objections. Objection may be made to questions or answers for 
any reason that would require the exclusion of the testimony under 
Sec.  26.24 as if the witness were present and testifying at hearing. 
Objections shall be in short form, stating every ground for objection. 
Failure to object to any question or answer shall be considered a 
waiver of objection, unless the parties agree otherwise. Rulings on any 
objections shall be made by the hearing officer at hearing, or at such 
other time requested by motion. The examination shall proceed, with the 
testimony being taken subject to the objections; the deponent may be 
instructed not to answer only when necessary to preserve a privilege, 
to enforce a limitation directed by the hearing officer, or to present 
a motion for a protective order under Sec.  26.18(c)(2).
    (d) Submission to deponent. A transcript of the deposition shall be 
submitted to the deponent for examination and signature, unless 
submission is waived by the deponent and the parties. Any changes in 
form or substance that the deponent desires to make shall be entered 
upon the transcript by the person before whom the deposition was taken, 
with a statement of reasons given by the deponent for making them. The 
transcript shall then be signed by the deponent, unless the parties by 
stipulation waive the signing or the deponent is ill, cannot be found, 
or refuses to sign. If the transcript is not signed, the person before 
whom the deposition was taken shall sign it and state on the record the 
reason that it is not signed.
    (e) Certification and filing. The person before whom the deposition 
was taken shall make a certification on the transcript as to its 
accuracy. Interested parties shall make their own arrangements with the 
person recording the testimony for copies of the testimony and the 
exhibits.
    (f) Deposition as evidence. Subject to appropriate rulings by the 
hearing officer on objections, the deposition or any part may be 
introduced into evidence for any purpose if the deponent is 
unavailable. Only that part of a deposition that is received in 
evidence at a hearing shall constitute a part of the record in the 
proceeding upon which a decision may be based. Nothing in this rule is 
intended to limit the use of a deposition for impeachment purposes.
    (g) Payment of fees. Fees shall be paid by the person upon whose 
application the deposition is taken.


Sec.  26.21  Written interrogatories.

    (a) Service of interrogatories. Any party may serve upon any other 
party written interrogatories, not to exceed 25 in number, including 
all discrete subparts, unless additional interrogatories are agreed to 
by the parties or leave to serve additional interrogatories is granted 
by the hearing officer.
    (b) Response to interrogatories. Within 20 days after service of 
the request, the party upon whom the interrogatories are served shall 
serve a written response, unless the parties agree in a written 
document submitted to the hearing officer or the hearing officer 
determines that a shorter or longer period is appropriate under the 
circumstances. The response shall specifically answer each 
interrogatory, separately and fully in writing, unless it is objected 
to, in which event the objecting party shall state the reasons for any 
objections with specificity. Any ground not stated in a timely 
objection is waived unless the party's failure to object is excused by 
the hearing officer for good cause shown. If objection is made to only 
part of an interrogatory, the objectionable part shall be specified and 
the party shall answer to the extent that the interrogatory is not 
objectionable.
    (c) Option to produce business records. Where the answer to an 
interrogatory may be derived or ascertained from the business records, 
including electronically stored information, of the party upon whom the 
interrogatory has been served or from an examination, audit, or 
inspection of such business records, including a compilation, abstract, 
or summary thereof, and the burden of deriving or ascertaining the 
answer is substantially the same for the party serving the 
interrogatory as for the party served, it is a sufficient answer to 
such interrogatory to specify the records from which the answer may be 
derived or ascertained and to afford to the party serving the 
interrogatory reasonable opportunity to examine, audit, or inspect such 
records and to make copies, compilations, abstracts, or summaries. A 
specification shall be in sufficient detail to permit the interrogating 
party to locate and to identify, as readily as can by the party served, 
the records from which the answer may be ascertained.


Sec.  26.22  Requests for admissions.

    (a) Any party may serve upon any other party a written request for 
the admission of the genuineness of any relevant documents described in 
the request or of the truth of any relevant matters of fact. Copies of 
documents shall be delivered with the request unless copies have 
already been furnished. Each requested admission shall be considered 
admitted, unless within 30 days after service of the request, or within 
such other time as the parties may agree, or the hearing officer 
determines, the party from whom the admission is sought serves upon the 
party making the request either:
    (1) A statement that:
    (i) Denies specifically the relevant matters for which an admission 
is requested, or sets forth in detail the reasons why the party can 
neither truthfully admit nor deny them;
    (ii) Fairly meets the substance of the requested admission and, 
when good faith requires that a party qualify an answer or deny only a 
part of the matter

[[Page 76839]]

of which an admission is requested, specifies as much of it as is true 
and qualifies or denies the remainder; and
    (iii) Does not assert lack of information or knowledge as a reason 
for failure to admit or deny, unless the party states that the party 
has made reasonable inquiry, and that the information known or readily 
obtainable by the party is insufficient to enable the party to admit or 
deny; or
    (2) Written objections to a requested admission that:
    (i) State the grounds for the objection; and
    (ii) Object to a requested admission, if necessary, either in whole 
or in part, on the basis of privilege or relevance.
    (b) Responses to the request for admission on matters to which 
objections have been made may be deferred until the objection is ruled 
upon, but if written objections are made only to a part of a request, a 
response to the remainder of the request shall be provided.
    (c) Any matter admitted under this rule is conclusively established 
unless the hearing officer, on motion, permits withdrawal or amendment 
of the admission. Admissions obtained pursuant to this procedure may be 
used in evidence only for the purposes of the pending action. The use 
of obtained admissions as evidence is permitted to the same extent and 
subject to the same objections as other evidence.

Hearings


Sec.  26.23  Public nature and timing of hearings; transcripts.

    (a) Public hearings. All hearings in adjudicative proceedings shall 
be public.
    (b) Conduct of hearing. Hearings shall proceed with all reasonable 
speed. The hearing officer may order recesses for good cause, stated on 
the record. The hearing officer may, for convenience of the parties or 
witnesses, or in the interests of justice, order that hearings be 
conducted outside of Washington, DC, and, if necessary, in more than 
one location.
    (c) Transcripts. Hearings shall be recorded and transcribed only by 
a reporter designated by the Department under the supervision of the 
hearing officer. The original transcript shall be a part of the record 
and shall constitute the sole official transcript. Any party or a 
member of the public, at his own expense, may obtain copies of 
transcripts from the reporter.


Sec.  26.24  Rules of evidence.

    (a) Evidence. Every party shall have the right to present its case 
or defense by oral and documentary evidence, unless otherwise limited 
by law or regulation, to conduct such cross-examination and to submit 
rebuttal evidence as may be required for a full and true disclosure of 
the facts. Irrelevant, immaterial, privileged, or unduly repetitious 
evidence shall be excluded. Unless otherwise provided for in this part, 
the Federal Rules of Evidence shall provide guidance to the hearing 
officer in the conduct of proceedings under this part, but shall not be 
binding. Parties may object to clearly irrelevant material, but 
technical and hearsay objections to testimony as used in a court of law 
will not be sustained.
    (b) Testimony under oath or affirmation. All witnesses shall 
testify under oath or affirmation.
    (c) Objections. Objections to the admission or exclusion of 
evidence shall be in short form, stating the grounds of objections. 
Rulings on objections shall be a part of the transcript. Failure to 
object to admission or exclusion of evidence or to any evidentiary 
ruling shall be considered a waiver of objection, but no exception to a 
ruling on an objection is necessary in order to preserve it for appeal.
    (d) Authenticity of documents. Unless specifically challenged, it 
shall be presumed that all relevant documents are authentic. An 
objection to the authenticity of a document shall not be sustained 
merely on the basis that it is not the original.
    (e) Stipulations. The parties may stipulate as to any relevant 
matters of fact. Stipulations may be received in evidence at a hearing, 
and when received shall be binding on the parties with respect to the 
matters stipulated. The parties are encouraged to enter into 
stipulations of fact whenever possible.
    (f) Official notice. All matters officially noticed by the hearing 
officer shall appear on the record.
    (g) Burden of proof. The burden of proof shall be upon the 
proponent of an action or affirmative defense, including, where 
applicable, mitigating factors, unless otherwise provided by law or 
regulation.


Sec.  26.25  Hearing officer's determination and order.

    (a) Scope of review. The hearing officer shall conduct a de novo 
review of the administrative action to determine whether it is 
supported by a preponderance of the evidence, unless a different 
standard of proof is required by law or regulation. Each and every 
charge alleged by the Department need not be proven to support the 
administrative action. The hearing officer may modify or vacate the 
administrative action under review only upon a particularized finding 
of facts that justifies a deviation from the administrative action.
    (b) Closing of hearing. At the discretion of the hearing officer, 
the closing of the record may be postponed in order to permit the 
admission of other evidence into the record. In the event further 
evidence is admitted, each party shall be given an opportunity to 
respond to such evidence.
    (c) Briefs. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer may 
request the parties to file proposed findings of fact and legal briefs. 
The hearing officer shall make a written determination and order based 
upon evidence and arguments presented by the parties. The determination 
shall be founded upon reliable and probative evidence. This 
determination and order shall be served upon all parties.
    (d) Bench decisions. Where the parties agree and where appropriate 
in the judgment of the hearing officer, a bench decision will be 
issued.
    (e) Time period for issuance of decision. The hearing officer shall 
endeavor to issue a determination within 60 days from the date of the 
closing of the record.
    (f) Finality of determination. The determination and order shall be 
final unless a party timely appeals the determination in accordance 
with Sec.  26.26. The determination shall inform the parties that, if 
provided for and consistent with Departmental regulations, any party 
may request, in writing, Secretarial review of the determination within 
30 days after the hearing officer issues the determination, in 
accordance with Sec.  26.26 of this part. The determination shall 
include the mailing address, facsimile number, and electronic 
submission information to which the request for Secretarial review 
should be sent. A request for Secretarial review may be made by mail, 
delivery, facsimile, or electronic submission.

Secretarial Review


Sec.  26.26  Review of determination of hearing officers.

    (a) Except in matters arising under 2 CFR part 2424, any party may 
file with the Secretary an appeal within 30 days after the date that 
the hearing officer issues a determination or order. The Secretary or 
designee may extend the 30-day period, in the Secretary's sole 
discretion, for good cause.
    (b) Brief in support of appeal. The appeal shall be accompanied by 
a written brief, not to exceed 15 pages, setting forth the party's 
specific objections to the determination or order

[[Page 76840]]

of the hearing officer and the party's supporting reasons for any 
objections. The appealing party may request leave to file a brief in 
excess of 15 pages for good cause shown. Alternative proposed findings 
and conclusions, if any, may be appended as an exhibit.
    (c) Briefs in opposition. Any opposing party may submit a brief in 
opposition to the appeal, not to exceed 15 pages, within 20 days of 
receiving a copy of the appeal and accompanying brief. The opposing 
party may request leave to file a brief in excess of 15 pages for good 
cause shown. The brief in opposition shall specifically state the 
opposing party's reasons for supporting the hearing officer's 
determination, or for objecting to any part of the hearing officer's 
determination.
    (d) Service. The appeal and all briefs shall be served on all 
parties and on the Docket Clerk.
    (e) Forwarding of the record. Upon request by the Office of the 
Secretary, the hearing officer shall forward the record of the 
proceeding to the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.
    (f) Time extensions. The Secretary, or designee, in his or her sole 
discretion, may extend the deadlines or page limitations set forth in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. The Secretary or designee may 
also permit the filing of additional briefs, in his or her sole 
discretion.
    (g) Personal appearance. There is no right to appear personally 
before the Secretary or designee.
    (h) Interlocutory rulings. There is no right to appeal any 
interlocutory ruling by the hearing officer, except as provided for in 
Sec.  26.27.
    (i) Objection not raised before hearing officer. In reviewing the 
determination or order, the Secretary, or designee, shall not consider 
any objection that was not raised before the hearing officer unless a 
demonstration is made of extraordinary circumstances causing the 
failure to raise the objection.
    (j) Evidence in the record. The Secretary or designee shall 
consider only evidence contained in the record forwarded by the hearing 
officer. However, if any party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the 
Secretary or designee that additional evidence not presented at the 
hearing is material, and that there were reasonable grounds for the 
failure to present such evidence at the hearing, the Secretary or 
designee shall remand the matter to the hearing officer for 
reconsideration in light of the additional evidence.
    (k) Ex parte communications. The prohibitions of ex parte 
communications in Sec.  26.3 shall apply to contacts with the Secretary 
or the Secretary's designee.
    (l) Determination. The Secretary or designee may affirm, modify, 
reverse, remand, reduce, compromise, or settle any determination made 
or action ordered in the initial determination or order. The Secretary 
or designee shall consider, and include in any final determination, 
such factors as may be set forth in applicable statutes or regulations.
    (m) Written determination. Where a request for Secretarial review 
has been timely made, the Secretary, or designee, shall issue a written 
determination within 30 days after receipt of the request for review, 
and shall serve it upon the parties to the hearing and the hearing 
officer. The Secretary, or designee, may extend the time in which a 
written determination must be issued by an additional 60 days for good 
cause shown in a written justification issued to the parties. The 
written determination of the Secretary shall be final. If the 
Secretary, or designee, does not act upon the request for review of a 
determination within 90 days of service of the request, then the 
initial determination shall be the final agency action.


Sec.  26.27  Interlocutory rulings.

    (a) Interlocutory rulings by the hearing officer. A party seeking 
review of an interlocutory ruling shall file a motion with the hearing 
officer within 10 days of the ruling requesting certification of the 
ruling for review by the Secretary, or in cases arising under 2 CFR 
part 2424, with the Debarring Official. Certification may be granted if 
the hearing officer believes that:
    (1) It involves an important issue of law or policy as to which 
there is substantial ground for difference of opinion; and
    (2) An immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the 
ultimate termination of the litigation.
    (b) Petition for review. Any party may file a petition for review 
of an interlocutory ruling within 10 days of the hearing officer's 
determination regarding certification.
    (c) Secretarial review. The Secretary, or designee, or Debarring 
Official shall review a certified ruling. The Secretary, designee, or 
Debarring Official has the discretion to grant or deny a petition for 
review from an uncertified ruling.
    (d) Continuation of hearing. Unless otherwise ordered by the 
hearing officer or the Secretary, designee, or Debarring Official, the 
hearing shall proceed pending the determination of any interlocutory 
appeal, and the order or ruling of the hearing officer shall be 
effective pending review.

Subpart B--Hearings Pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act


Sec.  26.28  Purpose and scope.

    Unless otherwise specified in this title, the rules in this subpart 
B of this part apply to hearings that HUD is required by statute to 
conduct pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 554 et 
seq.)


Sec.  26.29  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to subpart B of this part:
    Complaint means the notice from HUD alleging violations of a HUD 
statute and/or regulation, citing the legal authority upon which it is 
issued, stating the relief HUD seeks, and informing a respondent of his 
or her right to submit a response to a designated office and to request 
an opportunity for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
    Docket Clerk means the Docket Clerk of the Office of Administrative 
Law Judges, located at the following address--409 Third Street, SW., 
Second Floor, Washington, DC 20024; mailing address is 451 7th Street, 
SW., Room B-133, Washington, DC 20410.
    Respondent, unless otherwise identified by other governing statute, 
rule, or regulation, is the party against whom the administrative 
action is taken.
    Response means the written response to a complaint, admitting or 
denying the allegations in the complaint and setting forth any 
affirmative defense and any mitigating factors or extenuating 
circumstances. The response shall be submitted to the division of the 
Office of General Counsel that initiates the complaint or to such other 
office as may be designated in the complaint. A response is deemed a 
request for a hearing.


Sec.  26.30  Service and filing.

    (a) Filing. Unless otherwise provided by statute, rule, or 
regulation, all documents shall be filed with the Docket Clerk. Filing 
may be by delivery, first-class mail, overnight delivery, facsimile 
transmission, or electronic means; however, the ALJ may place 
reasonable limits on filing by facsimile transmission or electronic 
means. All documents shall clearly designate the docket number and 
title of the proceeding. Duplicate copies are not required unless 
ordered by the ALJ.
    (b) Service. One copy of all documents filed with the Docket Clerk 
shall be served upon each party by the

[[Page 76841]]

persons filing them and shall be accompanied by a certificate of 
service stating how and when such service has been made. Service may be 
made by delivery, first-class mail, overnight delivery, facsimile 
transmission, or electronic means; however, the ALJ may place 
reasonable limits on service by facsimile transmission or electronic 
means. Documents shall be served upon a party's address of residence or 
principal place of business, or, if the party is represented by 
counsel, upon counsel of record at the address of counsel. Service is 
complete when handed to the person or delivered to the person's office 
or residence and deposited in a conspicuous place. If service is by 
first-class mail, overnight delivery, facsimile transmission, or 
electronic means, service is complete upon deposit in the mail or upon 
electronic transmission.


Sec.  26.31  Time computations.

    (a) General. In computing any period of time under subpart B of 
this part, the time period begins the day following the act, event, or 
default, and includes the last day of the period, unless the last day 
is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday observed by the Federal 
Government, in which case the time period includes the next business 
day. When the prescribed time period is 7 days or less, intermediate 
Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded from the 
computation.
    (b) Entry of orders. In computing any time period involving the 
date of the issuance of an order or decision by an Administrative Law 
Judge, the date of issuance is the date the order or decision is served 
by the Docket Clerk.
    (c) Service by mail. If a document is served by mail, 3 days shall 
be added to the time permitted for a response.

Administrative Law Judge


Sec.  26.32  Powers and duties of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

    The ALJ shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing, avoid delay, 
maintain order, and ensure that a record of the proceeding is made. The 
ALJ is authorized to:
    (a) Set and change the date, time, and place of the hearing upon 
reasonable notice to the parties;
    (b) Continue or recess the hearing, in whole or in part, for a 
reasonable period of time;
    (c) Hold conferences to identify or simplify the issues, or to 
consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of 
the proceeding;
    (d) Administer oaths and affirmations;
    (e) Issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the 
production of documents at depositions or at hearings;
    (f) Rule on motions and other procedural matters;
    (g) Regulate the scope and timing of discovery;
    (h) Regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of 
representatives and parties;
    (i) Examine witnesses;
    (j) Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence;
    (k) Upon motion of a party, take official notice of facts;
    (l) Upon motion of a party, decide cases, in whole or in part, by 
summary judgment where there is no disputed issue of material fact;
    (m) Conduct any conference, argument, or hearing on motions in 
person or by telephone;
    (n) Upon motion, except where mandated by statute, extend the time 
within which any act required by these rules must be performed where 
necessary to avoid prejudicing the public interest or the rights of the 
parties, or upon showing of good cause; and
    (o) Exercise such other authority as is necessary to carry out the 
responsibilities of the ALJ under subpart B of this part.


Sec.  26.33  Ex parte communications.

    No party or person (except employees of the ALJ's office) shall 
communicate in any way with the ALJ on any matter at issue in a case, 
unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. This 
provision does not prohibit a person or party from inquiring about the 
status of a case or asking routine questions concerning administrative 
functions or procedures.


Sec.  26.34  Sanctions.

    (a) The ALJ may sanction a person, including any party or 
representative, for failing to comply with an order, rule, or procedure 
governing the proceeding; failing to prosecute or defend an action; or 
engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the speedy, orderly, 
or fair conduct of the hearing.
    (b) Any sanction, including, but not limited to, those listed in 
paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, shall reasonably relate 
to the severity and nature of the failure or misconduct.
    (c) When a party fails to comply with an order, including an order 
compelling discovery, the ALJ may impose an appropriate sanction for 
such noncompliance, including, but not limited to, the following:
    (1) Drawing an inference in favor of the requesting party with 
regard to the information sought;
    (2) In the case of requests for admission, deeming any matter about 
which an admission is requested to be admitted;
    (3) Prohibiting the party failing to comply with the order from 
introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying upon, testimony 
relating to the information sought; or
    (4) Striking any part of the pleadings or other submissions of the 
party failing to comply with the order.
    (d) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action brought under 
subpart B of this part, the ALJ may dismiss the action or may issue a 
decision against the non-prosecuting or defending party. Such decision 
of the ALJ shall constitute final agency action and shall not be 
appealable to the Secretary under Sec.  26.52 of this part.
    (e) The ALJ may refuse to consider any motion, request, response, 
brief, or other document that is not filed in a timely fashion.


Sec.  26.35  Disqualification of ALJ.

    (a) An ALJ in a particular case may disqualify himself or herself.
    (b) A party may file with the ALJ a motion for the ALJ's 
disqualification. The motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit 
alleging the grounds for disqualification.
    (c) Upon the filing of a motion and affidavit, the ALJ shall 
proceed no further in the case until the matter of disqualification is 
resolved.
    (d) If the ALJ does not withdraw from the proceedings, a written 
statement of his or her reasons for electing not to withdraw shall be 
incorporated into the record and the hearing shall proceed.

Parties


Sec.  26.36  Parties to the hearing.

    (a) General. The parties to the hearing shall be the respondent and 
HUD.
    (b) Rights of parties. Except as otherwise limited by subpart B of 
this part, all parties may:
    (1) Be accompanied, represented, and advised by a representative;
    (2) Participate in any conference held by the ALJ;
    (3) Conduct discovery;
    (4) Agree to stipulations of fact or law, which shall be made part 
of the record;
    (5) Present evidence relevant to the issues at the hearing;
    (6) Present and cross-examine witnesses;
    (7) Present oral arguments at the hearing as permitted by the ALJ; 
and
    (8) Submit written briefs and proposed findings of fact and 
conclusions of law after the hearing, as permitted by the ALJ.

[[Page 76842]]

Sec.  26.37  Separation of functions.

    No officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Government engaged in 
the performance of investigative, conciliatory, or prosecutorial 
functions in connection with the proceeding shall, in that proceeding 
or any factually related proceeding under subpart B of this part, 
participate or advise in the decision of the Administrative Law Judge, 
except as a witness or counsel during the proceeding, or in its 
appellate review.

Prehearing Procedures


Sec.  26.38  Commencement of action.

    Proceedings under subpart B of this part shall commence with the 
Government's filing of a complaint, as that term is defined in Sec.  
26.29, with the Docket Clerk. The respondent's response to the 
complaint shall be timely filed with the Docket Clerk and served upon 
the Government in accordance with the procedures set forth in the 
complaint. If the respondent fails to submit a response to the Docket 
Clerk, then the Government may file a motion for a default judgment in 
accordance with Sec.  26.41.


Sec.  26.39  Prehearing conferences.

    (a) The ALJ may schedule prehearing conferences as appropriate.
    (b) Upon the motion of any party or sua sponte, the ALJ may 
schedule a prehearing conference at a reasonable time in advance of the 
hearing.
    (c) The ALJ may consider the following at a prehearing conference:
    (1) Simplification of the issues;
    (2) Stipulations of fact and of the authenticity, accuracy, and 
admissibility of documents;
    (3) Submission of the case on briefs in lieu of an oral hearing;
    (4) Limitation of the number of witnesses;
    (5) The exchange of witness lists and of proposed exhibits;
    (6) Discovery;
    (7) The time and place for the hearing; and
    (8) Such other matters as may tend to expedite the fair and just 
disposition of the proceedings.


Sec.  26.40  Motions.

    (a) General. All motions shall state the specific relief requested 
and the basis therefore and, except during a conference or the hearing, 
shall be in writing. Written motions shall be filed and served in 
accordance with Sec.  26.30. Either party may submit a proposed order 
with any motion.
    (b) Response to motions. Unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ, a 
response to a written motion may be filed within 10 days after service 
of the motion. A party failing to respond timely to a motion may be 
deemed to have waived any objection to the granting of the motion.
    (c) Motions for extensions. Either party may file a motion for 
extension. At the discretion of the ALJ, a motion for an extension of 
time may be granted for good cause at any time, notwithstanding an 
objection or any reply to the motion, consistent with Sec.  26.32(f). 
The ALJ may waive the requirements of this section as to motions for 
extensions of time or any page limits.
    (d) Right to reply. The moving party shall have no right to reply, 
except as permitted by the ALJ.
    (e) Oral Argument. Either party may request oral argument on any 
motion, but such argument shall be available at the sole discretion of 
the ALJ.
    (f) Motions for summary judgment. (1) A party claiming relief or a 
party against whom relief is sought may timely move, with or without 
supporting affidavits, for summary judgment on all or part of the 
claim.
    (2) Objections in the consideration of summary judgment motions or 
answers thereto based upon a failure to strictly comply with the 
provisions of Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure may, at 
the discretion of the ALJ, be overruled.
    (g) Motions for dismissal. When a motion to dismiss the proceeding 
is granted, the ALJ shall make and file a determination and order in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec.  26.50.


Sec.  26.41  Default.

    (a) General. The respondent may be found in default, upon motion, 
for failure to file a timely response to the Government's complaint. 
The motion shall include a copy of the complaint and a proposed default 
order, and shall be served upon all parties. The respondent shall have 
10 days from such service to respond to the motion.
    (b) Default order. The ALJ shall issue a decision on the motion 
within 15 days after the expiration of the time for filing a response 
to the default motion. If a default order is issued, it shall 
constitute the final agency action.
    (c) Effect of default. A default shall constitute an admission of 
all facts alleged in the Government's complaint and a waiver of 
respondent's right to a hearing on such allegations. The penalty 
proposed in the complaint shall be set forth in the default order and 
shall be immediately due and payable by respondent without further 
proceedings.

Discovery


Sec.  26.42  Discovery.

    (a) General. The parties are encouraged to engage in voluntary 
discovery procedures, which may commence at any time after an answer 
has been filed. Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not 
privileged, that is relevant to the claim or defense of any party, 
including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and 
location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the 
identity and location of persons having knowledge of any discoverable 
matter. For good cause, the ALJ may order discovery of any matter 
relevant to the subject matter of the action. To be relevant, 
information need not be admissible at the hearing, if the discovery 
appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible 
evidence. Each party shall bear its own expenses associated with 
discovery.
    (b) Discovery in Program Fraud Civil Remedies Actions. (1) Upon 
receipt of a complaint, the defendant may, upon written request to the 
Office of General Counsel, review any relevant and material 
nonprivileged documents, including any exculpatory documents, that 
relate to the allegations set out in the complaint. Exculpatory 
information that is contained in a privileged document must be 
disclosed; however, the privileged document need not be provided.
    (2) With the exception of the limited discovery permitted under 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, unless agreed to by the parties, 
discovery shall be available only as ordered by the ALJ. The ALJ shall 
order only that discovery that he or she determines is necessary for 
the expeditious, fair, and reasonable consideration of the issues, is 
not unduly costly or burdensome, and will not unduly delay the 
proceeding. Discovery of privileged information shall not be permitted. 
The request for approval sent to the Attorney General from the General 
Counsel or designee, as described in 31 U.S.C. Sec.  3803(a)(2), is not 
discoverable under any circumstances. The ALJ may grant discovery 
subject to a protective order under Sec.  26.44.
    (c) Authorized discovery. The following types of discovery are 
authorized:
    (1) Requests for production of documents. (i) Any party may serve 
upon any other party a written request to produce and permit the party 
making the request, or someone acting on the requestor's behalf, to 
inspect, copy, test, or sample any designated documents or 
electronically stored information--

[[Page 76843]]

including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, sound 
recordings, images, and other data or data compilations stored in any 
medium from which information can be obtained--translated, if 
necessary, by the respondent into reasonably usable form, or to 
inspect, copy, test, or sample any designated tangible things that 
constitute or contain matters within the scope of Sec.  26.42(a) and 
which are in the possession, custody, or control of the party upon whom 
the request is served.
    (ii) The request shall set forth, either by individual item or by 
category, the items to be inspected, and describe each with reasonable 
particularity. The request shall specify a reasonable time, place, and 
manner of making the inspection and performing the related acts. The 
request may specify the form or forms in which electronically stored 
information is to be produced.
    (iii) The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a 
written response within 20 days after the service of the request. A 
shorter or longer time may be directed by the ALJ or, in the absence of 
such an order, agreed to in a written document by the parties, which 
shall be submitted to the ALJ in a timely manner. The response shall 
state, with respect to each item or category, whether inspection and 
related activities will be permitted as requested. If there are any 
objections to any requests, including objections to the requested form 
or forms for producing electronically stored information, the response 
shall state the reasons for such objections. If objection is made to 
part of an item or category, the part shall be specified and inspection 
permitted of the remaining parts. If objection is made to the requested 
format for producing electronically stored information--or if no format 
was specified in the request--the responding party must state the 
format it intends to use. The party submitting the request may move for 
an order under paragraph (e) of this section with respect to any 
objection to or other failure to respond to the request or any part 
thereof, or any failure to permit inspection as requested.
    (iv) Unless the parties otherwise agree, or the ALJ otherwise 
orders:
    (A) A party who produces documents for inspection shall produce 
them as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize 
and label them to correspond with the categories in the request;
    (B) If a request does not specify the form or forms for producing 
electronically stored information, a responding party must produce the 
information in a format in which it is ordinarily maintained or in a 
format that is reasonably usable; and
    (C) A party need not produce the same electronically stored 
information in more than one form.
    (2) Requests for admissions. Any party may serve upon any other 
party a written request for the admission of the genuineness of any 
documents described in the request or of the truth of any relevant 
matters of fact. Copies of documents shall be delivered with the 
request unless copies have already been furnished. Each requested 
admission shall be considered admitted, unless, within 30 days after 
service of the request, or within such other time as the parties may 
agree to or the ALJ determines, the party from whom the admission is 
sought serves upon the party making the request either:
    (i) A statement, which:
    (A) Denies specifically the relevant matters for which an admission 
is requested, or sets forth in detail the reasons why the party can 
neither truthfully admit nor deny them;
    (B) Fairly meets the substance of the requested admission, and when 
good faith requires that a party qualify an answer or deny only a part 
of the matter of which an admission is requested, the party specifies 
as much of it as is true and qualifies or denies the remainder; and
    (C) Does not assert lack of information or knowledge as a reason 
for failure to admit or deny, unless the party states that the party 
has made reasonable inquiry, and that the information known or readily 
obtainable by the party is insufficient to enable the party to admit or 
deny; or
    (ii) Written objections to a requested admission, which state the 
grounds for the objection and which object to a requested admission, if 
necessary, either in whole or in part, on the basis of privilege or 
relevance. Responses to the request for admission on matters to which 
objections have been made may be deferred until each objection is ruled 
upon, but if written objections are made only to a part of a request, a 
response to the remainder of the request shall be provided.
    (iii) Any matter admitted under this rule is conclusively 
established unless the ALJ, on motion, permits withdrawal or amendment 
of the admission. Admissions obtained pursuant to this procedure may be 
used in evidence only for the purposes of the pending action. The use 
of obtained admissions as evidence is permitted to the same extent and 
subject to the same objections as other evidence.
    (3) Written interrogatories. (i) Service of written 
interrogatories. Any party may serve upon any other party written 
interrogatories, not exceeding 25 in number, including all discrete 
subparts, unless additional interrogatories are agreed to by the 
parties or leave to serve additional interrogatories is granted by the 
ALJ.
    (ii) Response to interrogatories. Within 20 days after service of 
the request, the party upon whom the interrogatories are served shall 
serve a written response, unless the parties agree in a written 
document submitted to the ALJ or the ALJ determines that a shorter or 
longer period is appropriate under the circumstances. The response 
shall specifically answer each interrogatory separately and fully in 
writing, unless it is objected to, in which event the objecting party 
shall state the reasons for objection with specificity. Any ground not 
stated in a timely objection is waived unless the party's failure to 
object is excused by the ALJ for good cause shown. If objection is made 
to only part of an interrogatory, the objectionable part shall be 
specified and the party shall answer to the extent the interrogatory is 
not objectionable.
    (iii) Option to produce business records. Where the answer to an 
interrogatory may be derived or ascertained from the business records, 
including electronically stored information, of the party upon whom the 
interrogatory has been served or from an examination, audit, or 
inspection of such business records, including a compilation, abstract, 
or summary thereof, and the burden of deriving or ascertaining the 
answer is substantially the same for the party serving the 
interrogatory as for the party served, it is a sufficient answer to 
such interrogatory to specify the records from which the answer may be 
derived or ascertained and to afford to the party serving the 
interrogatory reasonable opportunity to examine, audit, or inspect such 
records and to make copies, compilations, abstracts, or summaries. A 
specification shall be in sufficient detail to permit the interrogating 
party to locate and to identify, as readily as can the party served, 
the records from which the answer may be ascertained.
    (4) Depositions. (i) A party may take the oral deposition of any 
person. Reasonable written notice of deposition shall be served upon 
the opposing party and the deponent. The attendance of a deponent may 
be compelled by subpoena where authorized by law or other order by the 
ALJ.
    (ii) Each person testifying on oral deposition shall be placed 
under oath by the person before whom the

[[Page 76844]]

deposition is taken. The deponent may be examined and cross-examined. 
The questions and the answers, together with all objections made, shall 
be recorded by the person before whom the deposition is to be taken or 
under that person's direction.
    (iii) Objections. Objection may be made to questions or answers for 
any reason that would require the exclusion of the testimony under 
Sec.  26.47 as if the witness were present and testifying at hearing. 
Objections shall be in short form, stating every ground for objection. 
Failure to object to any question or answer shall be considered a 
waiver of objection, unless the parties agree otherwise. Rulings on any 
objections shall be made by the ALJ at hearing, or at such other time 
as is requested by motion. The examination shall proceed, with the 
testimony being taken subject to the objections; a person may instruct 
a deponent not to answer only when necessary to preserve a privilege, 
to enforce a limitation directed by the ALJ, or to present a motion 
under Sec.  26.44.
    (iv) Submission to deponent. A transcript of the deposition shall 
be submitted to the deponent for examination and signature, unless 
submission is waived by the deponent and the parties. Any changes in 
form or substance that the deponent desires to make shall be entered 
upon the transcript by the person before whom the deposition was taken, 
with a statement of reasons given by the deponent for making them. The 
transcript shall then be signed by the deponent, unless the parties by 
stipulation waive the signing or the deponent is ill, cannot be found, 
or refuses to sign. If the transcript is not signed, the person before 
whom the deposition was taken shall sign it and state on the record the 
reason that it is not signed by the deponent.
    (v) Certification and filing. The person before whom the deposition 
was taken shall make a certification on the transcript as to its 
accuracy. Interested parties shall make their own arrangements with the 
person recording the testimony for copies of the testimony and the 
exhibits.
    (vi) Deposition as evidence. Subject to appropriate rulings by the 
ALJ on objections, the deposition or any part may be introduced into 
evidence for any purpose if the deponent is unavailable. Only that part 
of a deposition that is received in evidence at hearing shall 
constitute a part of the record in the proceeding upon which a decision 
may be based. Nothing in this rule is intended to limit the use of a 
deposition for impeachment purposes.
    (vii) Payment of fees. Fees shall be paid by the person upon whose 
application the deposition is taken.
    (d) Supplementation of Responses. A party who has responded to a 
request for discovery by providing a response is under a duty to timely 
amend any prior response to an interrogatory, request for production, 
or request for admission if so ordered by the ALJ, or if the party 
learns that the response is in some material respect incomplete or 
incorrect and if the additional or corrective information has not 
otherwise been made known to all other parties during the discovery 
process or in writing.
    (e) Motions to compel. (1) In connection with any discovery 
procedure, by motion addressed to the ALJ and upon a showing of a good 
faith attempt to resolve the issue without the ALJ's intervention, 
either party may file a motion to compel a response with respect to any 
objection or other failure to respond to the discovery requested or to 
any part thereof, or any failure to respond as specifically requested. 
An evasive or incomplete answer to a request for discovery is treated 
as a failure to answer.
    (2) The motion shall describe the information sought, cite the 
opposing party's objection, and provide arguments supporting the 
motion.
    (3) The opposing party may file a response to the motion, including 
a request for a protective order in accordance with Sec.  26.44.
    (4) Orders compelling discovery shall be issued only where such 
discovery will not compel the disclosure of privileged information, 
unduly delay the hearing, or result in prejudice to the public interest 
or the rights of the parties, and upon a showing of good cause.
    (5) A party need not provide discovery of electronically stored 
information from sources that the party identifies as not reasonably 
accessible because of undue burden or cost. On motion to compel 
discovery, the party from whom discovery is sought must show that the 
information is not reasonably accessible because of undue burden or 
cost. If that showing is made, the ALJ may nonetheless order discovery 
from such sources if the requesting party shows good cause or, when the 
party's refusal to provide the information sought is solely due to 
undue expense, the party seeking the discovery agrees to bear the 
expense associated with the request.
    (f) Refusal to honor discovery order. When a party refuses to honor 
a discovery order, the ALJ may issue such orders in regard to the 
refusal as justice shall require, including the imposition of sanctions 
pursuant to Sec.  26.34.


Sec.  26.43  Subpoenas.

    (a) General. Upon written request of a party, the ALJ may issue a 
subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a deposition or 
hearing, and/or the production of documents. The request shall specify 
any documents to be produced and shall list the names and addresses of 
the witnesses.
    (b) Time of request. A request for a subpoena in aid of discovery 
shall be filed in time to permit the conclusion of discovery 15 days 
before the date fixed for the hearing. A request for a subpoena to 
testify at the hearing shall be filed at least 3 days prior to the 
hearing, unless otherwise allowed by the ALJ for good cause shown.
    (c) Content. The subpoena shall specify the time and place at which 
the witness is to appear and any documents the witness is to produce.
    (d) Service and fees. Subpoenas shall be served, and fees and costs 
paid to subpoenaed witnesses, in accordance with Rule 45(b)(1) of the 
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
    (e) Motion to quash. The individual to whom the subpoena is 
directed or a party may file a motion to quash the subpoena within 10 
days after service, or on or before the time specified in the subpoena 
for compliance if it is less than 10 days after service.


Sec.  26.44  Protective orders.

    (a) A party, a prospective witness, or a deponent may file a motion 
for a protective order with respect to discovery sought by an opposing 
party or with respect to the hearing, seeking to limit the availability 
or disclosure of evidence.
    (b) Protective orders may be issued by an ALJ if the ALJ determines 
such an order is necessary to protect a party or other person from 
annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense 
because:
    (1) The discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, 
or is obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less 
burdensome, or less expensive;
    (2) The party seeking discovery has had ample opportunity by 
discovery in the action to obtain the information sought; or
    (3) The burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its 
likely benefit, taking into account the needs of the case, the amount 
in controversy, the parties' resources, the importance of the issues at 
stake in the litigation, and the importance of the proposed discovery 
in resolving the issues.

[[Page 76845]]

Hearings


Sec.  26.45  General.

    (a) Time of hearing. The hearing shall commence not later than 90 
days following the date of the Government's filing of the complaint and 
response with the Docket Clerk under Sec.  26.38, unless the time is 
extended for good cause. The ALJ shall provide written notice to all 
parties of the reasons for any extension of time.
    (b) Location of hearing. The hearing shall be held in a place most 
convenient for the respondent and witnesses, or in such other place as 
may be agreed upon by the parties and the ALJ.
    (c) Notice of hearing. The ALJ shall issue a notice of hearing to 
all parties specifying the time and location of the hearing, the 
matters of fact and law to be heard, the legal authority under which 
the hearing is to be held, a description of the procedures for the 
conduct of the hearing, and such other matters as the ALJ determines to 
be appropriate.
    (d) Exceptions for Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act matters. For 
Program Fraud Civil Remedies actions, the hearing is commenced by the 
issuance of a notice of hearing and order by the ALJ, as set forth in 
31 U.S.C. 3803(d)(2)(B). Hearings for Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act 
matters shall be located in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3803(g)(4).
    (e) Burden and standard of proof. HUD shall prove the respondent's 
liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the 
evidence. Respondent shall prove any affirmative defenses and any 
mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
    (f) Public hearings. Unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good 
cause shown, the hearing shall be open to the public.


Sec.  26.46  Witnesses.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, testimony 
at the hearing shall be given orally by witnesses under oath or 
affirmation.
    (b) At the discretion of the ALJ, testimony may be admitted in the 
form of a written statement or deposition. In order to be admissible, 
any written statement must be provided to all other parties along with 
the last known address of the witness, in a manner that allows 
sufficient time for other parties to subpoena the witness for cross-
examination at the hearing.


Sec.  26.47  Evidence.

    The ALJ shall admit any relevant oral or documentary evidence that 
is not privileged. Unless otherwise provided for in this part, the 
Federal Rules of Evidence shall provide guidance to the ALJ's 
evidentiary ruling, but shall not be binding. Parties may object to 
clearly irrelevant material, but technical and hearsay objections to 
testimony as used in a court of law will not be sustained. The ALJ may, 
however, exclude evidence if its probative value is substantially 
outweighed by confusion of the issues, or by considerations of undue 
delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.


Sec.  26.48  Posthearing briefs.

    Posthearing briefs shall be filed only upon order by the ALJ.


Sec.  26.49  The record.

    The hearing will be recorded and transcribed by a reporter 
designated by the Department under the supervision of the ALJ. The 
parties and the public, at their own expense, may obtain copies of 
transcripts from the reporter. A copy of the transcript shall be made 
available at cost to the parties upon request. The transcript of 
testimony, exhibits, and other evidence admitted at the hearing and all 
papers and requests filed in the proceeding constitute the record for 
the decision by the ALJ and the Secretary or designee.


Sec.  26.50  Initial decision.

    (a) The ALJ shall issue an initial decision based only on the 
record, which shall contain findings of fact, conclusions of law, and 
the relief granted. The ALJ's initial decision shall not become 
effective unless it becomes or is incorporated into final agency action 
in accordance with Sec. Sec.  26.50(c) or 26.52(l).
    (b) The ALJ shall serve the initial decision on all parties within 
60 days after either the close of the record or the expiration of time 
permitted for submission of posthearing briefs, whichever is later. The 
ALJ may extend the 60-day period for serving the initial decision in 
writing for good cause. The initial decision shall inform the parties 
that, if provided for and consistent with Departmental regulations, any 
party may request, in writing, Secretarial review of the determination 
within 30 days after the ALJ issues the initial decision, in accordance 
with Sec.  26.52 of this part. The determination shall include the 
mailing address, facsimile number, and electronic submission 
information to which the request for Secretarial review should be sent. 
A request for Secretarial review may be made by mail, delivery, 
facsimile, or electronic submission.
    (c) If no appeal is timely filed with the Secretary or designee, 
the initial decision shall become the final agency action.


Sec.  26.51  Interlocutory rulings.

    (a) Interlocutory rulings by the ALJ. A party seeking review of an 
interlocutory ruling shall file a motion with the ALJ within 10 days of 
the ruling requesting certification of the ruling for review by the 
Secretary. Certification may be granted if the ALJ believes that:
    (1) It involves an important issue of law or policy as to which 
there is substantial ground for difference of opinion; and
    (2) An immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the 
ultimate termination of the litigation.
    (b) Petition for review. Any party may file a petition for review 
of an interlocutory ruling within 10 days of the ALJ's determination 
regarding certification.
    (c) Secretarial review. The Secretary, or designee, shall review a 
certified ruling. The Secretary, or designee, has the discretion to 
grant or deny a petition for review from an uncertified ruling.
    (d) Continuation of hearing. Unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ or 
the Secretary, or designee, the hearing shall proceed pending the 
determination of any interlocutory appeal, and the order or ruling of 
the ALJ shall be effective pending review.


Sec.  26.52  Appeal to the Secretary.

    (a) General. Either party may file with the Secretary an appeal 
within 30 days after the date that the ALJ issues an initial decision. 
The Secretary or the Secretary's designee may extend the 30-day period 
in his or her sole discretion, for good cause.
    (b) Brief in support of appeal. The appeal shall be accompanied by 
a written brief, not to exceed 15 pages, specifically identifying the 
party's objections to the initial decision or order of the ALJ and the 
party's supporting reasons for any objections. The appealing party may 
request leave to file a brief in excess of 15 pages for good cause 
shown. Alternative proposed findings and conclusions, if any, may be 
appended as an exhibit.
    (c) Briefs in opposition. Any opposing party may submit a brief in 
opposition to the appeal, not to exceed 15 pages, within 20 days of the 
date a copy of the appeal and accompanying brief were received. The 
opposing party may request leave to file a brief in excess of 15 pages 
for good cause shown. The brief in opposition shall specifically state 
the opposing party's reasons for supporting the ALJ's determination or 
taking exceptions to any part of the ALJ's determination.

[[Page 76846]]

    (d) Extensions and additional briefs. The Secretary or Secretary's 
designee may extend the deadlines or page limitations set forth in 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, in his or her sole 
discretion. The Secretary may also permit the filing of additional 
briefs, in his or her sole discretion.
    (e) Forwarding of the record. Upon request by the Office of the 
Secretary, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the 
Secretary or designee.
    (f) Personal appearance. There is no right to appear personally 
before the Secretary or designee.
    (g) ALJ decisions upon failure to prosecute or defend. There is no 
right to appeal any decision issued by an ALJ in accordance with Sec.  
26.37(d) of this part.
    (h) Objections not raised before ALJ. In reviewing the initial 
decision, the Secretary or designee shall not consider any objection 
that was not raised before the ALJ, unless a demonstration is made of 
extraordinary circumstances causing the failure to raise the objection.
    (i) Evidence considered. The Secretary or designee shall consider 
only evidence contained in the record forwarded by the ALJ. However, if 
any party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary or designee 
that additional evidence not presented at the hearing is material and 
that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to present such 
evidence at the hearing, the Secretary or designee shall remand the 
matter to the ALJ for reconsideration in light of the additional 
evidence.
    (j) Ex parte communications. The prohibitions of ex parte 
communications in Sec.  26.33 shall apply to contacts with the 
Secretary or designee.
    (k) Relief. The Secretary or designee may affirm, modify, reduce, 
reverse, compromise, remand, or settle any relief granted in the 
initial decision. The Secretary or designee shall consider, and include 
in any final determination, such factors as may be set forth in 
applicable statutes or regulations.
    (l) Decision. (1) Generally. Where a Secretarial appeal has been 
timely made, the Secretary, or designee, shall issue a written 
determination within 30 days after receipt of the brief in opposition, 
if any, and shall serve it upon the parties to the hearing. The 
Secretary, or designee, may extend the time in which a written 
determination must be issued by an additional 60 days for good cause 
shown in a written justification issued to the parties. The written 
decision of the Secretary shall be the final agency action. If the 
Secretary, or designee, does not act upon the appeal of an initial 
decision within 90 days of service of the appeal, then the initial 
determination shall be the final agency action.
    (2) Exception for cases brought under the Program Fraud Civil 
Remedies Act. Where a Secretarial appeal has been timely made in a case 
brought under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act, the Secretary, or 
designee, shall issue a written determination within 30 days after 
receipt of appeal and shall serve it upon the parties to the hearing. 
The written decision of the Secretary shall be the final agency action. 
If the Secretary, or designee, does not act upon the appeal of an 
initial decision within 30 days of service of the appeal, the initial 
decision shall become final and the Respondent will be served with a 
statement describing the right to seek judicial review, if any.


Sec.  26.53  Exhaustion of administrative remedies.

    In order to fulfill the requirement of exhausting administrative 
remedies, a party must seek Secretarial review under Sec.  26.52 prior 
to seeking judicial review of any initial decision issued under subpart 
B of this part.


Sec.  26.54  Judicial review.

    Judicial review shall be available in accordance with applicable 
statutory procedures and the procedures of the appropriate federal 
court.


Sec.  26.55  Collection of civil penalties and assessments.

    Collection of civil penalties and assessments shall be in 
accordance with applicable statutory provisions.


Sec.  26.56  Right to administrative offset.

    The amount of any penalty or assessment that has become final under 
Sec.  26.50 or Sec.  26.52, or for which a judgment has been entered 
after action under Sec.  26.54 or Sec.  26.55, or agreed upon in a 
compromise or settlement among the parties, may be collected by 
administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716 or other applicable law. In 
Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act matters, an administrative offset may 
not be collected against a refund of an overpayment of federal taxes 
then or later owing by the United States to the Respondent.

    Dated: December 9, 2008.
Roy A. Bernardi,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-29772 Filed 12-16-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P