Sec. 2301.704.  HEARINGS EXAMINER; ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this section, a hearing under this chapter must be held by an administrative law judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
(a-1)  A hearing under Section 2301.204 or Subchapter M must be held by a hearings examiner.
(b)  An administrative law judge and a hearings examiner have all of the board's power and authority as provided by this chapter to conduct hearings, including the power to:
(1)  hold a hearing;
(2)  administer an oath;
(3)  receive pleadings and evidence;
(4)  issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of a witness;
(5)  compel the production of papers and documents;
(6)  issue an interlocutory order, including a cease and desist order in the nature of a temporary restraining order or a temporary injunction;
(7)  make findings of fact and conclusions of law; and
(8)  issue a proposal for decision and recommend a final order.
(c)  In a contested case hearing under Section 2301.204 or Subchapter M, a hearings examiner shall issue a final order.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1421, Sec. 5, eff. June 1, 2003.
Amended by: 
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1403 (H.B. 3601), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1379 (H.B. 1692), Sec. 9, eff. January 1, 2014.