(a) The presiding officer has authority to issue orders to control the conduct and scope of the proceeding, including orders to:
  (1) Rule on motions;
  (2) Impose sanctions;
  (3) Establish deadlines;
  (4) Schedule and conduct pre-hearing or post-hearing conferences;
  (5) Require the prefiling of exhibits and testimony;
  (6) Set out requirements for participation in the case; and
  (7) Take other steps conducive to a fair and efficient formal hearing.
(b) Record of rulings. Rulings not made orally at a recorded prehearing conference or hearing shall be in writing and issued to all parties of record.
(c) Consolidation or joinder for hearing. The presiding officer may order that cases be consolidated or joined for hearing if:
  (1) there are common issues of law or fact; and
  (2) consolidation or joint hearing will promote the fair and efficient handling of the matters.
(d) Severance of issues. The presiding officer may order severance of issues if separate hearings on the issues will promote the fair and efficient handling of the matters.

Source Note: The provisions of this §12.133 adopted to be effective August 7, 2018, 43 TexReg 5058