Purpose: To amend existing Rule 24 (b)(8) of the commission's rules of procedure relating to participation in commission deliberations and decisions by a member of the commission who has not heard all of the evidence.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending CJCRP 24.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Washington Constitution Article IV, Section 31(10).

     Other Authority: Chapter 2.64 RCW.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 05-13-124 on June 20, 2005.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: September 9, 2005.

Marianne Connelly

Commission Chair

RULE 24. HEARING

     (a) Scheduling. Upon receipt of respondent's answer or upon expiration of the time to answer, the commission shall schedule a public hearing and notify disciplinary counsel and respondent of the date, time, and place of the hearing. Respondent will be provided at least fourteen days notice of hearing, which will also include the name or names of the commission members and the presiding officer, if any.

     (b) Conduct of hearing.

     (1) All testimony shall be under oath.

     (2) Disciplinary counsel shall present the case in support of the statement of charges.

     (3) Disciplinary counsel may call respondent as a witness.

     (4) Both parties shall be permitted to present evidence and produce and cross-examine witnesses.

     (5) The hearing shall be recorded verbatim. Whenever a transcript is requested by respondent, disciplinary counsel, or a member of the commission, a transcript of the hearing shall be produced at the requesting party's expense.

     (6) Counsel may recommend and argue for a discipline appropriate to the misconduct supported by the evidence, including argument on aggravating and mitigating factors.

     (7) Disciplinary counsel and respondent may submit their respective proposed findings, conclusions, and recommendations for discipline or order of dismissal to the commission.

     (8) Where a member of the commission has not heard all the evidence, that member shall not participate in any deliberations or decisions ((until he or she personally considers the whole record, or portion of the hearing from which that member was absent)).

     (9) At least six members, or their alternates, must continually be present during presentation of testimony at the hearing.

     (c) Dismissal or recommendation for discipline. The commission shall dismiss the case, discipline respondent, or in the case of incapacity, recommend to the supreme court the retirement of respondent.

     (d) Submission of the report. After the hearing, the commission shall file the record of the proceeding and a decision setting forth written findings of fact, conclusions of law, any minority opinions, and the order, within ninety days following the evidentiary hearing or after the filing of the transcript if one is requested, unless the presiding officer extends the time. The decision shall be announced in open session. If personal attendance is required, respondent shall have at least fourteen days notice of the announcement, unless otherwise agreed. A copy of the decision shall be served upon respondent.

     (e) Motion for reconsideration. The commission decision is final fourteen days after service unless a motion for reconsideration is filed by respondent or disciplinary counsel. A motion for reconsideration, if filed, shall be specific and detailed, with appropriate citations to the record and legal authority. Any response to the motion must be filed within fourteen days after service. The motion will be decided without oral argument unless requested by the commission. If the motion for reconsideration is denied, the decision is final when the order denying the motion is filed. If the motion for reconsideration is granted, the reconsidered decision is final when filed in the commission's office.

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