(a) A party may file a written reply or pleading to respond to all allegations. The written reply or responsive pleading must be filed with SOAH in accordance with SOAH rules and must identify the SOAH and department docket numbers, as reflected in the notice of hearing.
(b) Any party filing a reply or responsive pleading shall serve a copy of the reply or responsive pleading on each party or party's authorized representative in compliance with SOAH rules.
(c) A party may file an amended or supplemental reply or responsive pleading in accordance with SOAH rules.
(d) If a party properly noticed under this chapter does not appear at the hearing, a party appearing at the hearing may request that the ALJ dismiss the contested case from the SOAH docket. If the contested case is dismissed from the SOAH docket, the case may be presented to the final order authority for disposition pursuant to SOAH rules and §224.29 of this title (relating to Delegation of Final Order Authority).

Source Note: The provisions of this §224.156 adopted to be effective June 1, 2024, 49 TexReg 2771