                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

HEARING EXAMINERS; POWERS AND DUTIES; REPORTS TO BE FURNISHED TO PARTIES;
RESPONSES BY PARTIES (§ 12.1-31)

The Commission may appoint by written order hearing examiners, whose duties
shall be defined in such order and who shall have all the inquisitorial powers
and the right to require the appearance of witnesses and parties now possessed
by the Commission. Hearing examiners may make either special investigations and
reports for the information of the Commission, or, if so directed in such order,
may conduct the hearing of any cause within the jurisdiction of the Commission,
taking evidence upon such notice as is required. All hearing examiners shall
report their findings to the Commission, and file therewith the testimony and
exhibits received by them. The recommendations of such examiners shall be
advisory only, and shall not preclude the Commission from taking further
evidence.
		A copy of the examiner&#8217;s report shall be furnished to all parties to the
proceeding in which the report is filed. The parties shall be allowed a
reasonable time in which to respond and such responses shall become part of the
record to be considered by the Commission in making a decision.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 12-46; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 157; 1978, c. 394; 1980, c.
247.