Sec. 2003.0412.  EX PARTE CONSULTATIONS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), the provisions of Section 2001.061 apply in relation to a matter before the office without regard to whether the matter is considered a contested case under Chapter 2001.
(b)  The provisions of Section 2001.061 do not apply to a matter before the office to the extent that the office is conducting an alternative dispute resolution procedure in relation to the matter.  The chief administrative law judge shall adopt rules that prescribe the types of alternative dispute resolution procedures in which ex parte consultations are prohibited and the types of alternative dispute resolution procedures in which ex parte consultations are allowed.  For alternative dispute resolution procedures in which ex parte consultations are prohibited, the chief administrative law judge in adopting rules under this subsection shall model the prohibition after Section 2001.061 but may vary the extent of the prohibition if necessary to take into account the nature of alternative dispute resolution procedures.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 85, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.