(a) All hearings shall be open to the public. Hearings shall be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

(b) At the hearing the parties shall be given an opportunity to present evidence on issues of fact, to examine and cross-examine witnesses, including the author of a document prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of the Commission and offered into evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and present arguments on issues of law or policy.

(c) The use or operation of a device to capture, record, transmit, or broadcast a photograph, video, motion picture or audio of a proceeding or person during a hearing or within the premises where a hearing is being held or in an area adjacent to the hearing without the approval of the hearing officer is forbidden. Parties seeking to operate such equipment shall relay a request in writing to the Director at least 48 hours in advance of the proceeding. The Director shall relay all written requests to the hearing officer, who shall respond to all requests in writing or on the record at the hearing. The hearing officer shall control the manner of any recording or broadcasting processes they allow to ensure that it is not disruptive to the hearing.

History Note: Authority G.S. 18C-114(a)(14);

Previously adopted as Rule 1C-025;

Eff. January 8, 2024;

Readopted Eff. March 27, 2024.