36 C.F.R. PART 1150—PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE HEARINGS
Title 36 - Parks, Forests, and Public Property
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 792, as amended.
Source: 45 FR 78474, Nov. 25, 1980, unless otherwise noted.
Purpose. The purpose of the regulations in this part is to implement section 502(b)(1) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93–112, 29 U.S.C. 792, as amended by the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, Pub. L. 95–602, section 118, 92 Stat. 2979, by establishing rules of procedure for public hearings which ensure compliance with standards issued under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Pub. L. 90–480, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq. (including standards of the U.S. Postal Service). (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the term: Constructed or altered on behalf of the United States means acquired by the United States through lease-purchase arrangement, constructed or altered for purchase by the United States, or constructed or altered for the use of the United States. Primarily for use by able-bodied military personnel means expected to be occupied, used, or visited principally by military service personnel. Examples of buildings so intended are barracks, officers' quarters, and closed messes. Privately owned residential structure means a single or multi-family dwelling not owned by a unit or subunit of Federal, state, or local government. (b) Buildings and facilities covered. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the standards issued under the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Pub. L. 90–480, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq. (including standards of the United States Postal Service) apply to any building or facility— (1) The intended use for which either— (i) Will require that such building or facility be accessible to the public, or (ii) May result in employment or residence therein of physically handicapped persons; and (2) Which is— (i) To be constructed or altered by or on behalf of the United States; (ii) To be leased in whole or in part by the United States— (A) After August 12, 1968, and before January 1, 1977, after construction or alteration in accordance with plans and specifications of the United States; or (B) On or after January 1, 1977, including any renewal of a lease entered into before January 1, 1977, which renewal is on or after such date; (iii) To be financed in whole or in part by a grant or loan made by the United States after August 12, 1968, if the building or facility may be subject to standards for design, construction, or alteration issued under the law authorizing the grant or loan; or (iv) To be constructed under the authority of the National Capital Transportation Act of 1960, the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965, or title III of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Regulation Compact. (c) Buildings and facilities not covered. The standards do not apply to— (1) Any privately owned residential structure, unless it is leased by the Federal government on or after January 1, 1977, for subsidized housing programs; or (2) Any building or facility on a military installation designed and constructed primarily for use by military personnel. (d) Any covered building or facility, as provided in this section, which is designed, constructed, or altered after the effective date of a standard issued which is applicable to the building or facility, shall be designed, constructed, altered, or leased in accordance with the standard. For purposes of this section, any design, construction, alteration or lease for which bids or offers are received before the effective date of an applicable standard, in response to an invitation for bids or request for proposals, is not subject to that standard. The policy of the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board is to maximize the accessibility and usability of buildings, and facilities through amicable means. To this end, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board encourages voluntary and informal resolution of all complaints. A&TBCB means the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Agency means Federal department, agency, or instrumentality as defined in sections 551(1) and 701(b)(1) of title 5 U.S.C., or an agency official authorized to represent the agency. It includes any executive department or independent establishment in the Executive Branch of the government, including wholly owned government corporations, and any establishment in the legislative or judicial branch of the government, except the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Architect of the Capitol and any activities under his direction. Alteration means any change in a building or facility or its permanent fixtures or equipment. It includes, but is not limited to, remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, changes or rearrangement in structural parts, and extraordinary repairs. It does not include normal maintenance, reroofing, interior decoration, or changes to mechanical systems. Architectural Barriers Act means the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Pub. L. 90–480, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq. Building or facility means all or any portion of buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, parks, sites, or other real property or interest in such property. Chair means the Chair of the A&TBCB. Complaint means any written notice of an alleged violation, whether from an individual or organization, or other written information reasonably indicating to the Executive Director a violation of the standard. Construction means any section of a new building or an addition to an existing building. Day means calendar day. Executive Director means the A&TBCB Executive Director. Extraordinary repair means the replacement or renewal of any element of an existing building or facility for purposes other than normal maintenance. Judge means an Administrative Law Judge appointed by the A&TBCB and assigned to the case in accordance with either section 3105 or 3314 of title 5 U.S.C. PER means Provisional Expedited Relief. Respondent means a party answering the citation, including PER Citation. Section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act means section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93–112, 29 U.S.C. 792, as amended. Standard means any standard for accessibility and usability prescribed under the Architectural Barriers Act. [53 FR 39473, Oct. 7, 1988] (a) These rules shall govern all compliance proceedings held before a judge and all alleged violations coming to the Executive Director as a complaint. (b) In the absence of a specific provision in these rules, procedure shall be in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, subchapter II of chapter 5 and chapter 7, of title 5 U.S.C., and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, in that order. (c) These rules and regulations shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes and provisions of the Architectural Barriers Act and section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act. (d) The rules shall be applied to secure fairness in administration and elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay and to ascertain the truth. (e) Words importing the singular number may extend and be applied to a plural and vice versa. Upon notice to all parties, the judge, with respect to matters pending before him/her, may modify or waive any rule in these regulations upon determination that no party will be unduly prejudiced and that the end of justice will be served. (a) The term parties includes (1) any agency, state or local body, or other person named as a respondent in a notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing, (2) the Executive Director and (3) any person named as a party by order of the judge. (b) The Executive Director has the sole authority to initiate proceedings by issuing a citation under §1150.42, on the basis of (1) a complaint from any person or (2) alleged violations coming to his/her attention through any means. (a) Any person may submit a complaint to the A&TBCB alleging that a building or facility does not comply with applicable standards issued under the Architectural Barriers Act. Complaints must be in writing and should be sent to: Executive Director, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1111 18th Street, Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036–3894. A complaint form is available at the above address. Complaints may, but need not, contain (1) the complainant's name and where he/she may be reached, (2) the facility or building and, if known, the funding agency, and (3) a brief description of the barriers. A complaint form is available at the above address. (b) The A&TBCB shall hold in confidence the identity of all persons submitting complaints unless the person submits a written authorization otherwise. (c) The A&TBCB shall give or mail to the complainant a copy of these regulations. (d) A complainant is not a party to the proceedings as a matter of course, but may petition the judge to participate under §1150.13. (e) The A&TBCB shall send the complainant a copy of the final order issued by the judge. The complainant has standing to obtain judicial review of that order. [53 FR 39473, Oct. 7, 1988] (a) By petitioning the judge, any person may be permitted to participate in the proceedings when he/she claims an interest in the proceedings and may contribute materially to their proper disposition. A complainant shall be permitted to participate in the proceeding when he/she petitions the judge. (b) The judge may, in his/her discretion, determine the extent of participation of petitioners, including as an intervening party or participant. The judge may, in his/her discretion, limit participation to submitting documents and briefs, or permit the introduction of evidence and questioning of witnesses. (a) A party may appear in person or by counsel or other representative and participate fully in any proceedings. An agency, state or local body, corporation or other association, may appear by any of its officers or by any employee it authorizes to appear on its behalf. (b) A representative of a party or participant shall be deemed to control all matters respecting the interest of such party or participant in the proceedings. (c) This section shall not be construed to require any representative to be an attorney-at-law. (d) Withdrawal of appearance of any representative is effective when a written notice of withdrawal is filed and served on all parties and participants. Documents to be filed under the rules in this part shall be dated, the original signed in ink, shall show the docket number and title of the proceeding and shall show the title, if any, and address of the signatory. Copies need not be signed; however, the name of the person signing the original, but not necessarily his/her signature, shall be reproduced. Documents shall be legible and shall not be more than 8 The signature of a party, authorized officer, employee or attorney constitutes a certification that he/she has read the document, that to the best of his/her knowledge, information, and belief there is a good ground to support it, and that it is not interposed for delay. If a document is not signed or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this section, it may be stricken as sham and false and the proceeding may proceed as though the document had not been filed. (a) General. All notices, written motions, requests, petitions, memoranda, pleadings, briefs, decisions, and correspondence to the judge, from a party or a participant or vice versa, relating to a proceeding after its commencement shall be filed and served on all parties and participants. (b) Filing. Parties shall submit for filing the original and two copies of documents, exhibits, and transcripts of testimony. Filings shall be made in person or by mail, with the hearing clerk at the address stated in the notice of hearing or notice of opportunity for hearing, during regular business hours. Regular business hours are every Monday through Friday (Federal legal holidays excepted) from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Standard or Daylight Savings Time, whichever is effective in the city where the office of the judge is located at the time. (c) Service. Service of one copy shall be made on each party and participant by personal delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested, properly addressed with postage prepaid. When a party or participant has appeared by attorney or other representative, service upon the attorney or representative is deemed service upon the party or participant. The date of service shall be the day when the matter is deposited in United States mail or is delivered in person, except that the date of service of the initial notice of hearing or opportunity for hearing shall be the date of its delivery, or the date that its attempted delivery is refused. The original of every document filed and required to be served upon parties to a proceeding shall be endorsed with a certificate of service signed by the party making service or by his/her attorney or representative, stating that such service has been made, the date of service, and the manner of service, whether by mail or personal delivery. In computing any period of time under these rules or in any order issued under them, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of the period, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal legal holiday, in which event it includes the next following business day. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal legal holidays shall be excluded from the computation. (a) Requests for extension of time shall be addressed to the judge and served on all parties and participants. Requests should set forth the reasons for the application. (b) If made promptly, answers to requests for extension of time are permitted. (c) The judge may grant the extension upon a showing of good cause by the applicant. (a) The A&TBCB immediately shall send copies of complaints to all interested agencies and persons. In addition, the A&TBCB shall apprise any person who might become a party to compliance proceedings of the alleged instances of noncompliance and afford him/her a reasonable opportunity to respond or submit pertinent documents. (b) The Executive Director or his/her designee shall seek the cooperation of persons and agencies in obtaining compliance and shall provide assistance and guidance to help them comply voluntarily. (c) Upon request of the Executive Director, interested agencies or persons, including, but not limited to, occupant agencies, recipients of assistance, and lessors, shall submit to the Executive Director or his/her designee timely, complete, and accurate reports concerning the particular complaint. Reports shall be completed at such times, and in such form containing all information as the Executive Director or his/her designee may prescribe. (d) The Executive Director, or his/her designee, shall have access during normal business hours to books, records, accounts and other sources of information and facilities as may be pertinent to ascertain compliance. Considerations of privacy or confidentiality asserted by an agency or person may not bar the Executive Director from evaluating such materials or seeking to enforce compliance. The Executive Director may seek a protective order authorizing the use of allegedly confidential materials on terms and conditions specified by the judge. (e) Complaints should be resolved informally and expeditiously, by the interested persons or agencies. If compliance with the applicable standards is not achieved informally or an impasse concerning the allegations of compliance or noncompliance is reached, the Executive Director will review the matter, including previous attempts by agencies to resolve the complaint, and take actions including, but not limited to, surveying and investigating buildings, monitoring compliance programs of agencies, furnishing technical assistance, such as standard interpretation, to agencies, and obtaining assurances, certifications, and plans of action as may be necessary to ensure compliance. (f) All actions to informally resolve complaints under paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section shall be completed within one hundred eighty (180) days after receipt of the complaint by all affected agencies and persons. A complaint shall be deemed informally resolved if the person or agencies responsible for the alleged violation either: (1) Demonstrates to the Executive Director that no violation has occurred, or (2) Corrects the violation, or (3) Agrees in writing to implement specific compliance action within a definite time agreed to by the Executive Director, or (4) Are timely implementing a plan for compliance agreed to by the Executive Director. No later than ten (10) days after the determination of the one hundred eighty (180) day period, the Executive Director shall either issue a citation under §1150.42, or determine in writing that a citation will not be issued at that time and the reasons that it is considered unnecessary. (g) A determination not to issue a citation shall be served in accordance with §1150.23 on all interested agencies and persons upon whom a citation would have been served if it had been issued. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (i) of this section, the failure of the Executive Director to take action within the ten (10) day period after termination of the one hundred eighty (180) day informal resolution period shall not preclude the Executive Director from taking action thereafter. (h) Nothing in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section shall be construed as precluding the Executive Director before the termination of the one hundred eighty (180) day informal resolution period from: (1) Issuing a citation if it is reasonably clear that informal resolution cannot be achieved within that time, or (2) Determining not to issue a citation if it is reasonably clear that compliance can be achieved or that issuance of a citation is not otherwise warranted. (i) At any time after the expiration of one hundred ninety (190) days after receipt of the complaint by all affected agencies and persons, any person or agency receiving a copy of the complaint, or the complainant, may serve a written request on the Executive Director to issue a citation or determination not to proceed within thirty (30) days. If the Executive Director fails to serve a written response within thirty (30) days of receipt of such a request, the complaint shall be deemed closed. [53 FR 39474, Oct. 7, 1988] (a) If there appears to be a failure or threatened failure to comply with a relevant standard, and the noncompliance or threatened noncompliance cannot be corrected or resolved by informal means under §1150.41, the Executive Director on behalf of the A&TBCB may issue a written citation, requesting the ordering of relief necessary to ensure compliance with the standards or guidelines and requirements. The relief may include the suspension or withholding of funds and/or specific corrective action. (b) The citation shall be served upon all interested parties, as appropriate, including but not limited to the complainant, the agency having custody, control, or use of the building or facility, and the agency funding by contract, grant, or loan, the allegedly noncomplying building or facility. (c) The citation shall contain: (1) A concise jurisdictional statement reciting the provisions of section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act and Architectural Barriers Act under which the requested action may be taken, (2) a short and plain basis for requesting the imposition of the sanctions, (3) a statement either that within fifteen (15) days a hearing date will be set or that the agency or affected parties may request a hearing within fifteen (15) days from service of the citation, and (4) a list of all pertinent documents necessary for the judge to make a decision on the alleged noncompliance, including but not limited to, contracts, invitations for bids, specifications, contract or grant drawings, and correspondence. (d) The Executive Director shall file copies of all pertinent documents listed in the citation simultaneously with filing the citation. (a) Answers shall be filed by respondents within fifteen (15) days after receipt of a citation. (b) The answer shall admit or deny specifically and in detail, matters set forth in each allegation of the citation. If the respondent is without knowledge, the answer shall so state and such statement shall be deemed a denial. Matters not specifically denied shall be deemed admitted. Failure to file a timely answer shall constitute an admission of all facts recited in the citation. (c) Answers shall contain a list of additional pertinent documents not listed in the citation when respondent reasonably believes these documents are necessary for the judge to make a decision. Copies of the listed documents shall be filed with the answer. (d) Answers may also contain a request for a hearing under §1150.45. (a) The Executive Director may amend the citation as a matter of course before an answer is filed. A respondent may amend its answer once as a matter of course, but not later than five (5) days after the filing of the original answer. Other amendments of the citation or the answer shall be made only by leave of judge. (b) An amended citation shall be answered within five (5) days of its service, or within the time for filing an answer to the original citation, whichever is longer. When a citation does not state that a hearing will be scheduled, the respondent, either in a separate paragraph of the answer, or in a separate document, may request a hearing. Failure of a respondent to request a hearing within fifteen (15) days from service of the citation shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing and shall constitute consent to the making of a decision on the basis of available information. (a) Motions and petitions shall state the relief sought, the authority relied upon, and the facts alleged. (b) If made before or after the hearing, these matters shall be in writing. If made at the hearing, they may be stated orally or the judge may require that they be reduced to writing and filed and served on all parties. (c) Except as otherwise ordered by judge, responses to a written motion or petition shall be filed within ten (10) days after the motion or petition is served. An immediate oral response may be made to an oral motion. All oral arguments on motions will be at the discretion of the judge. (d) A reply to a response may be filed within within five (5) days after the response is served. The reply shall address only the contents of the response. The judge may not sustain or grant a written motion or petition prior to expiration of the time for filing responses, but may overrule or deny such motion or petition without awaiting response, Providing however, That prehearing conferences, hearings, and decisions need not be delayed pending disposition of motions or petitions. All motions and petitions may be ruled upon immediately after reply. Motions and petitions not disposed of in separate rulings or in decisions will be deemed denied. (a) Unless otherwise specified, other relevant sections shall apply to PER proceedings. (b) In addition to all other forms of relief requested, the citation shall request PER when it appears to the Executive Director that immediate and irreparable harm from noncompliance with the standard is occurring or is about to occur. Citations requesting PER shall recite specific facts and include the affidavit or the notarized complaint upon which the PER request is based. Citations requesting PER shall recite that a hearing regarding PER has been scheduled to take place eight (8) days after receipt of the citation. Citations requesting PER may be filed without prejudice to proceedings in which PER is not requested and without prejudice to further proceedings if PER is denied. The time and place of hearing fixed in the citation shall be reasonable and shall be subject to change for cause. (c) Answers to citations requesting PER shall be in the form of all answers, as set forth in §1150.43, and must be filed within four (4) days after receipt of the citation. Answers shall recite in detail, by affidavit or by notarized answer, why the PER requested should not be granted. (d) When a citation contains both a request for relief to ensure compliance with a standard and a request for PER, an answer to the PER request shall be filed in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section and an answer to a request for other relief shall be filed in accordance with §1150.43. (e) Citations and answers in PER proceedings may not be amended prior to hearing. Citations and answers in PER proceedings may be amended at the hearing with the permission of the judge. (a) A judge assigned to the case under section 3105 or 3344 of title 5 U.S.C. (formerly section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act), shall preside over the taking of evidence in any hearing to which these rules of procedure apply. (b) The A&TBCB shall, in writing, promptly notify all parties and participants of the assignment of the judge. This notice may fix the time and place of hearing. (c) Pending his/her assignment, the responsibilities, duties, and authorities of the judge under these regulations shall be executed by the A&TBCB, through the Chair or another member of the A&TBCB designated by the Chair. A Board member shall not serve in this capacity in any proceeding relating to the member, his/her Federal agency, or organization of which he/she is otherwise interested. [53 FR 39474, Oct. 7, 1988] The judge shall have the duty to conduct a fair hearing, to take all necessary action to avoid delay, and maintain order. He/she shall have all powers necessary to effect these ends, including (but not limited to) the power to: (a) Arrange and issue notice of the date, time, and place of hearings previously set. (b) Hold conferences to settle, simplify, or fix the issues in proceedings, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceedings. (c) Require parties and participants to state their position with respect to the various issues in the proceedings. (d) Administer oaths and affirmations. (e) Rule on motions, and other procedural items on matters pending before him/her. (f) Regulate the course of the hearing and conduct of counsel. (g) Examine witnesses and direct witnesses to testify. (h) Receive, rule on, exclude or limit evidence. (i) Fix time for filing motions, petitions, briefs, or other items in matters pending before him/her. (j) Issue decisions. (k) Take any action authorized by the rules in this part or the provisions of sections 551 through 559 of title 5 U.S.C. (the Administrative Procedure Act). [45 FR 78474, Nov. 25, 1980. Redesignated at 53 FR 39474, Oct. 7, 1988] (a) A judge shall disqualify himself/herself whenever in his/her opinion it is improper for him/her to preside at the proceedings. (b) At any time following appointment of the judge and before the filing of the decision, any party may request the judge to withdraw on grounds of personal bias or prejudice either against it or in favor of any adverse party, by promptly filing with him/her an affidavit setting forth in detail the alleged grounds for disqualification. (c) If, in the opinion of the judge, the affidavit referred to in paragraph (b) of this section is filed with due diligence and is sufficient on its face, the judge shall promptly disqualify himself/herself. (d) If the judge does not disqualify himself/herself, he/she shall so rule upon the record, stating the grounds for his/her ruling. Then, he/she shall proceed with the hearing, or, if the hearing has closed, he/she shall proceed with the issuance of the decision. [45 FR 78474, Nov. 25, 1980. Redesignated at 53 FR 39474, Oct. 7, 1988] (a) At any time before a hearing, the judge on his/her own motion or on motion of a party, may direct the parties or their representative to exchange information or to participate in a prehearing conference for the purpose of considering matters which tend to simplify the issues or expedite the proceedings. (b) The judge may issue a prehearing order which includes the agreements reached by the parties. Such order shall be served upon all parties and participants and shall be a part of the record. (a) Proposed exhibits shall be exhanged at the prehearing conference, or otherwise prior to the hearing if the judge so requires. Proposed exhibits not so exchanged may be denied admission as evidence. (b) The authenticity of all proposed exhibits will be deemed admitted unless written objection to them is filed prior to the hearing or unless good cause is shown at the hearing for failure to file such written objection. (a) Parties are encouraged to engage in voluntary discovery procedures. For good cause shown under appropriate circumstances, but not as a matter of course, the judge may entertain motions for permission for discovery and issue orders including orders—(1) to submit testimony upon oral examination or written interrogatories before an officer authorized to administer oaths, (2) to permit service of written interrogatories upon the opposing party, (3) to produce and permit inspection of designated documents, and (4) to permit service upon the opposing parties of a request for the admission of specified facts. (b) Motions for discovery shall be granted only to the extent and upon such terms as the judge in his/her discretion considers to be consistent with and essential to the objective of securing a just and inexpensive determination of the merits of the citation without unnecessary delay. (c) In connection with any discovery procedure, the judge may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression or undue burden or expense, including limitations on the scope, method, time and place for discovery, and provisions for protecting the secrecy of confidential information or documents. If any party fails to comply with a discovery order of the judge, without an excuse or explanation satisfactory to the judge, the judge may decide the fact or issue relating to the material requested to be produced, or the subject matter of the probable testimony, in accordance with claims of the other party in interest or in accordance with the other evidence available to the judge, or make such other ruling as he/she determines just and proper. The judge may require parties and participants to file written statements of position before the hearing begins. The judge may also require the parties to submit trial briefs. Hearings for the receipt of evidence will be held only in cases where issues of fact must be resolved. Where it appears from the citation, the answer, stipulations, or other documents in the record, that there are no matters of material fact in dispute, the judge may enter an order so finding, vacating the hearing date, if one has been set, and fixing the time for filing briefs. (a) Formal rules of evidence shall not apply, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most probative evidence available do apply. Testimony shall be given orally under oath or affirmation; but the judge, in his/her discretion, may require or permit the direct testimony of any witness to be prepared in writing and served on all parties in advance of the hearing. Such testimony may be adopted by the witness at the hearing and filed as part of the record. (b) All witnesses shall be available for cross-examination and, at the discretion of the judge, may be cross-examined without regard to the scope of direct examination as to any matter which is relevant and material to the proceeding. (c) When testimony is taken by deposition, an opportunity shall be given, with appropriate notice, for all parties to cross-examine the witness. Objections to any testimony or evidence presented shall be deemed waived unless raised at the time of the deposition. (d) Witnesses appearing before the judge shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States. Witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking the same shall be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States. Witness fees and mileage shall be paid by the party requesting the witness to appear, and the person taking a deposition shall be paid by the party requesting the taking of the deposition. The judge may exclude evidence which is immaterial, irrelevant, unreliable, or unduly repetitious. Objections to evidence or testimony shall be timely and may briefly state the grounds. Exceptions to rulings of the judge are unnecessary. It is sufficient that a party at the time the ruling of the judge is sought, makes known the action which he/she desires the judge to take, or his/her objection to an action taken, and his/her grounds for it. Where official notice is taken or is to be taken of a material fact not appearing in the evidence of record, any party on timely request, shall be afforded an opportunity to question the propriety of taking notice or to rebut the fact noticed. When a party or paticipant offers, in whole or in part, a public document, such as an official report, decision, opinion, or published scientific or economic statistical data issued by any of the executive departments, or their subdivisions, legislative agencies or committees or administrative agencies of the Federal government (including government-owned corporations), or a similar document issued by a State or local government or their agencies, and such document (or part thereof) has been shown by the offeror to be reasonably available to the public, such document need not be produced or marked for identification, but may be offered for official notice, as a public document by specifying the document or its relevant part. An offer of proof made in connection with an objection taken to a ruling of the judge rejecting or excluding proffered oral testimony shall consist of a statement of the substance of the evidence which counsel contends would be adduced by such testimony. If the excluded evidence consists of evidence in documentary or written form or refers to documents or records, a copy of the evidence shall be marked for identification and shall accompany the record as the offer of proof. An affidavit is not inadmissible as such. Unless the judge fixes other time periods, affidavits shall be filed and served on the parties not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing. Not less than seven (7) days prior to hearing, a party may file and serve written objections to any affidavit on the ground that he/she believes it necessary to test the truth of its assertions at hearing. In such event the assertions objected to will not be received in evidence unless the affiant is made available for cross-examination, or the judge determines that cross-examination is not necessary for the full and true disclosure of facts referred to in such assertions. Not withstanding any objection, however, affidavits may be considered in the case of any respondent who waives a hearing. In cases in which the same or related facts are asserted to constitute noncompliance with standards or guidelines and requirements, the judge may order all related cases consolidated and may make other orders concerning the proceedings as will be consistent with the objective of securing a just and inexpensive determination of the case without unnecessary delay. (a) In proceedings in which a citation, or part of one, seeking PER has been filed, the judge shall make necessary rulings with respect to time for filing of pleadings, the conduct of the hearing, and to all other matters. He/she shall do all other things necessary to complete the proceeding in the minimum time consistent with the objective of securing an expeditious, just and inexpensive determination of the case. The times for actions set forth in these rules shall be followed unless otherwise ordered by the judge. (b) The judge shall determine the terms and conditions for orders of PER. These orders must be consistent with preserving the rights of all parties so as to permit the timely processing of the citation, or part of it, not requesting PER, as well as consistent with the provisions and objectives of the Architectural Barriers Act and section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act. In issuing an order for PER, the judge shall make the following specific findings of fact and conclusions of law— (1) The Executive Director is likely to succeed on the merits of the proceedings; (2) The threatened injury or violation outweighs the threatened harm to the respondent if PER is granted; and (3) Granting PER is in the public interest. (c) The judge may dismiss any citation or part of a citation seeking PER when the judge finds that the timely processing of a citation not requesting PER will adequately ensure the objectives of section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act and that immediate and irreparable harm caused by noncompliance with the standards or guidelines and requirements is not occurring or about to occur. The transcript of testimony, exhibits and all papers, documents and requests filed in the proceeding, including briefs and proposed findings and conclusions, shall constitute the record for decision. The official transcripts of testimony, and any exhibits, briefs, or memoranda of law filed with them, shall be filed with the judge. Transcripts of testimony in hearings may be obtained from the official reporter by the parties and the public at rates not to exceed the maximum rates fixed by the contract between the A&TBCB and the reporter. Upon notice to all parties, the judge may authorize corrections to the transcript as are necessary to reflect accurately the testimony. The judge shall fix the terms, including time, for filing post-hearing statements of position or briefs, which may contain proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The judge may fix a reasonable time for such filing, but this period shall not exceed thirty (30) days from the receipt by the parties of the transcript of the hearing. (a) The judge shall issue a decision within thirty (30) days after the hearing ends or, when the parties submit posthearing briefs, within thirty (30) days after the filing of the briefs. (b) The decision shall contain (1) all findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding all material issues of fact and law presented in the record, (2) the reasons for each finding of fact and conclusion of law, and (3) other provisions which effectuate the purposes of the Architectural Barriers Act and section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act. The decision may direct the parties to take specific action or may order the suspension or withholding of Federal funds. (c) The decision shall be served on all parties and participants to the proceedings. (a) No briefs or posthearing statements of position shall be required in proceedings seeking PER unless specifically ordered by the judge. (b) In proceedings seeking PER the decision may be given orally at the close of the hearing and shall be made in writing within three (3) days after the hearing. Any complainant or participant in a proceeding may obtain judicial review of a final order issued in a compliance proceeding. The Executive Director, at the direction of the Board, shall bring a civil action in any appropriate United States district court to enforce, in whole or in part, any final compliance order. No member of the A&TBCB shall participate in any decision of the A&TBCB concerning a proceeding relating to the member, his/her Federal agency, or organization to which he/she is a member or in which he/she is otherwise interested. (a) No party, participant or other person having an interest in the case shall make or cause to be made an ex parte communication to the judge with respect to the case. (b) A request for information directed to the judge which merely inquiries about the status of a proceeding without discussing issues or expressing points of view is not deemed an ex parte communication. Communications with respect to minor procedural matters or inquires or emergency requests for extensions of time are not deemed ex parte communications prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section. Where feasible, however, such communications should be by letter, with copies delivered to all parties. Ex parte communications between a party or participant and the Executive Director with respect to securing compliance are not prohibited. (c) In the event an ex parte communication occurs, the judge shall issue orders and take action as fairness requires. A prohibited communication in writing received by the judge shall be made public by placing it in the correspondence file of the docket in the case and will not be considered as part of the record for decision. If the prohibited communication is received orally, a memorandum setting forth its substance shall be made and filed in the correspondence section of the docket in the case. A person referred to in this memorandum may file a comment for inclusion in the docket if he/she considers the memorandum to be incorrect. (a) Any party adversely affected by the compliance order issued by a judge may make a motion to the judge to have such order vacated upon a showing that the building or facility complies with the order. (b) Notice of motions and copies of all pleadings shall be served on all parties and participants to the original proceeding. Responses to the motion to vacate shall be filed within ten (10) days after receipt of the motion unless the judge for good cause shown grants additional time to respond. (c) Oral arguments on the motion may be ordered by the judge. The judge shall fix the terms of the argument so that they are consistent with the objective of securing a prompt, just, and inexpensive determination of the motion. (d) Within ten (10) days after receipt of all answers to the motion, the judge shall issue his/her decision in accordance with §1150.102 (b) and (c). (a) Amicable resolution is encouraged at any stage of proceedings where such resolution is consistent with the provisions and objectives of the Architectural Barriers Act and section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act. (b) Agreements to amicably resolve pending proceedings shall be submitted by the parties and shall be accompanied by an appropriate proposed order. (c) The Executive Director is authorized to resolve any proceeding on behalf of the A&TBCB unless otherwise specifically directed by the A&TBCB and afterwards may file appropriate stipulations or notice that the proceeding is discontinued. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of these regulations is declared invalid for any reason, the remaining portions of these regulations that are severable from the invalid part shall remain in full force and effect. If a part of these regulations is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part shall remain in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.
Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property
PART 1150—PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE HEARINGS
Section Contents
§ 1150.1 Purpose.
§ 1150.2 Applicability: Buildings and facilities subject to guidelines and standards.
§ 1150.3 Policy of amicable resolution.
§ 1150.4 Definitions.
§ 1150.5 Scope and interpretation of rules.
§ 1150.6 Suspension of rules.
§ 1150.11 Parties.
§ 1150.12 Complainants.
§ 1150.13 Participation on petition.
§ 1150.14 Appearance.
§ 1150.21 Form of documents to be filed.
§ 1150.22 Signature of documents.
§ 1150.23 Filing and service.
§ 1150.24 [Reserved]
§ 1150.25 Date of service.
§ 1150.26 Certificate of service.
§ 1150.31 Computation.
§ 1150.32 Extension of time or postponement.
§ 1150.41 Informal resolution.
§ 1150.42 Citations.
§ 1150.43 Answers.
§ 1150.44 Amendments.
§ 1150.45 Request for hearing.
§ 1150.46 Motions.
§ 1150.47 Disposition of motions and petitions.
§ 1150.48 PER: Citation, answer, amendment.
§ 1150.51 Who presides.
§ 1150.52 Authority of judge.
§ 1150.53 Disqualification of judge.
§ 1150.61 Prehearing conference.
§ 1150.62 Exhibits.
§ 1150.63 Discovery.
§ 1150.71 Briefs.
§ 1150.72 Purpose of hearing.
§ 1150.73 Testimony.
§ 1150.74 Exclusion of evidence.
§ 1150.75 Objections.
§ 1150.76 Exceptions.
§ 1150.77 Official notice.
§ 1150.78 Public documents.
§ 1150.79 Offer of proof.
§ 1150.80 Affidavits.
§ 1150.81 Consolidated or joint hearing.
§ 1150.82 PER proceedings.
§ 1150.91 Record for decision.
§ 1150.92 Official transcript.
§ 1150.101 Posthearing briefs; proposed findings.
§ 1150.102 Decision.
§ 1150.103 Posthearing briefs, decision.
§ 1150.104 Judicial review.
§ 1150.105 Court enforcement.
§ 1150.111 Ex parte communications.
§ 1150.112 Post-order proceedings.
§ 1150.113 Amicable resolution.
§ 1150.114 Effect of partial invalidity.
Subpart A—General Information
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§ 1150.1 Purpose.
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§ 1150.2 Applicability: Buildings and facilities subject to guidelines and standards.
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§ 1150.3 Policy of amicable resolution.
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§ 1150.4 Definitions.
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§ 1150.5 Scope and interpretation of rules.
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§ 1150.6 Suspension of rules.
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Subpart B—Parties, Complainants, Participants
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§ 1150.11 Parties.
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§ 1150.12 Complainants.
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§ 1150.13 Participation on petition.
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§ 1150.14 Appearance.
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Subpart C—Form, Execution, Service and Filing of Documents for Proceedings on Citations
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§ 1150.21 Form of documents to be filed.
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§ 1150.22 Signature of documents.
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§ 1150.23 Filing and service.
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§ 1150.24 [Reserved]
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§ 1150.25 Date of service.
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§ 1150.26 Certificate of service.
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Subpart D—Time
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§ 1150.31 Computation.
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§ 1150.32 Extension of time or postponement.
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Subpart E—Proceedings Prior to Hearings; Pleadings and Motions
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§ 1150.41 Informal resolution.
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§ 1150.42 Citations.
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§ 1150.43 Answers.
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§ 1150.44 Amendments.
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§ 1150.45 Request for hearing.
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§ 1150.46 Motions.
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§ 1150.47 Disposition of motions and petitions.
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§ 1150.48 PER: Citation, answer, amendment.
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Subpart F—Responsibilities and Duties of Judge
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§ 1150.51 Who presides.
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§ 1150.52 Authority of judge.
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§ 1150.53 Disqualification of judge.
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Subpart G—Prehearing Conferences and Discovery
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§ 1150.61 Prehearing conference.
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§ 1150.62 Exhibits.
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§ 1150.63 Discovery.
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Subpart H—Hearing Procedures
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§ 1150.71 Briefs.
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§ 1150.72 Purpose of hearing.
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§ 1150.73 Testimony.
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§ 1150.74 Exclusion of evidence.
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§ 1150.75 Objections.
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§ 1150.76 Exceptions.
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§ 1150.77 Official notice.
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§ 1150.78 Public documents.
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§ 1150.79 Offer of proof.
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§ 1150.80 Affidavits.
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§ 1150.81 Consolidated or joint hearing.
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§ 1150.82 PER proceedings.
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Subpart I—The Record
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§ 1150.91 Record for decision.
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§ 1150.92 Official transcript.
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Subpart J—Posthearing Procedures; Decisions
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§ 1150.101 Posthearing briefs; proposed findings.
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§ 1150.102 Decision.
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§ 1150.103 Posthearing briefs, decision.
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§ 1150.104 Judicial review.
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§ 1150.105 Court enforcement.
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Subpart K—Miscellaneous Provisions
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§ 1150.111 Ex parte communications.
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§ 1150.112 Post-order proceedings.
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§ 1150.113 Amicable resolution.
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§ 1150.114 Effect of partial invalidity.
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