(a) A hearing officer may grant extensions of time for good cause beyond the time period specified in §89.1185(l) of this title (relating to Hearing Procedures) at the request of either party. A hearing officer must not solicit extension requests, grant extensions on his or her own behalf, or unilaterally issue extensions for any reason. Any extension must be granted to a specific date, and the reason for the extension must be documented in a written order of the hearing officer and provided to each of the parties.
(b) A hearing officer may grant a request for an extension only after fully considering the cumulative impact of the following factors:
  (1) whether the delay will positively contribute to, or adversely affect, the child's educational interest or well-being;
  (2) the need of a party for additional time to prepare or present the party's position at the hearing;
  (3) any adverse financial or other detrimental consequences likely to be suffered by a party in the event of delay; and
  (4) whether there has already been a delay in the proceeding through the actions of one of the parties.

Source Note: The provisions of this §89.1186 adopted to be effective December 31, 2013, 38 TexReg 9552; amended to be effective March 1, 2017, 42 TexReg 760