Section 18 Presiding Officer

• Library: Administrative Law 2011

When a matter is docketed by the PSC, it is assigned to a “presiding officer,” called an ALJ. The ALJ carries out the quasi-judicial role of:

establishing a procedural schedule;

administering oaths or affirmations;

issuing subpoenas;

ruling on evidentiary matters both before and during the hearing;

ruling on motions not involving final determinations; and

preparing recommended orders or decisions for the PSC’s consideration.

The PSC may authorize a presiding officer to hear the evidence and compile the record, but...