When a state law or local ordinance provides that a hearing be held or that findings of fact or conclusions of law be made by any county board, agency, commission, or committee, the county hearing officer may be authorized by ordinance or resolution to conduct the hearing; to issue subpoenas; to receive evidence; to administer oaths; to rule on questions of law and the admissibility of evidence; and to prepare a record of the proceedings.

(Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 617, Sec. 5.)