Sec. 9. (a) The department may hear all petitions or motions filed with the department. The hearings may be conducted by the department, a member of the department, or an administrative law judge. The hearings shall be conducted in accordance with rules adopted by the department under IC 4-22-2.

     (b) An administrative law judge shall promptly report to the department the facts established by evidence and submit a suggested order, showing the findings and a decision to the department.

     (c) An order recommended by an administrative law judge may not be held for less than ten (10) days during which an interested party may file a written exception. If an exception is not filed, the finding of facts and decision in form of the order suggested by the administrative law judge shall be the order of the department, unless the department directs otherwise.

As added by P.L.110-1995, SEC.29.