CT HB06727

Repeals and replaces section 22-4b to expand the Commissioner of Agriculture's authority to designate agents, including deputy commissioners and department employees to exercise delegated powers.

Authorizes the Commissioner to designate qualified persons as hearing officers in administrative hearings, including panels of two or more qualified persons with a designated presiding officer.

Permits compensation for qualified hearing officers serving in contested cases, with final decisions rendered as directed by the commissioner except when modification or reconsideration is requested under section 4-181a.

Amends section 22-6 to remove the previous restriction preventing delegates from rendering final decisions after hearings, allowing hearing officers to issue proposed or final decisions as the commissioner directs.

Changes take effect October 1, 2015 and update pronouns and references throughout the statute to gender-neutral language.