Senate Bill 1023 Summary

• Office of Administrative Hearings may employ private counsel in addition to services from the Attorney General's office.

• Office of Administrative Hearings is placed under the Department of Self-Governing Agencies and the chief administrative hearing officer's compensation is determined by the governor.

• Chief administrative hearing officer and all hearing officers are classified as nonclassified employees exempt from standard state personnel administration rules.

• Writings, drafts, notes, and working memoranda related to decision-making in Office of Administrative Hearings proceedings are exempt from public disclosure, but final orders issued by the office are not exempt.

• Act becomes effective July 1, 2023, and includes a transition provision allowing current Department of Health and Welfare hearing officers to be appointed to the Office of Administrative Hearings if they meet qualifications.