Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, motions for continuance of the hearing on the merits shall be in writing and shall be filed not less than five days prior to the hearing. Motions for continuance shall set forth the specific grounds for which the moving party seeks continuance and shall make reference to all other motions for continuance filed by the moving party in the proceeding. The moving party shall attempt to contact all other parties and shall state in the motion each party that was contacted and whether that party objects to the relief requested. The moving party shall have the burden of proof with respect to the need for the continuance at issue. Continuances will not be granted based on the need for discovery if the party seeking the continuance previously had the opportunity to obtain discovery from the person from whom discovery is sought, except when necessary due to surprise or discovery of facts or evidence which could not have been discoveredpreviously through reasonably diligent effort by the moving party. The presiding officer shall grant continuances agreed to by all parties provided that any applicable statutory deadlines are extended as may be necessary. Motions for continuances agreed to by all parties may be filed within five days of the hearing on the merits, and shall state suggested dates for rescheduling of the hearing.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §22.79 adopted to be effective November 1, 1993, 18 TexReg 6641.