Code of Colorado Regulations
1100 - Department of Labor and Employment
1101 - Division of Labor Standards and Statistics (Includes 1103 Series)
7 CCR 1103-9 - COLORADO CHANCE TO COMPETE ACT RULES
7 - Appeals and Hearings
Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 17, September 10, 2024
7.1 Either the employer or the complainant may appeal the agency's determination.
7.2 A party that timely files a valid appeal of the division's determination will be afforded an administrative appeal hearing before a division hearing officer. Parties may appear by telephone.
7.3 The hearing officer shall have the power and authority to call, preside at, and conduct hearings. The hearing officer has the power to administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other records deemed necessary as evidence in connection with a disputed determination.
7.4 The parties may submit new evidence to the hearing officer in accordance with deadlines imposed by the division.
7.5 Evidence and requirements of proof in a hearing conducted pursuant to this section must conform, to the extent practicable, with those in civil nonjury cases in the district courts of this state. However, when necessary to do so in order to ascertain facts affecting the substantial rights of the parties to the proceeding, the person conducting the hearing may receive and consider evidence not admissible under such rules if the evidence possesses probative value commonly accepted by reasonable and prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. Objections to evidentiary offers may be made and must be noted in the record. The hearing officer shall give effect to the rules of privilege recognized by law. He or she shall exclude incompetent and unduly repetitious evidence. The hearing officer may accept documentary evidence in the form of a copy or excerpt if the original is not readily available; except that, upon request, the party shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy with the original. The division may utilize its experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge in the evaluation of the evidence presented.
7.6 When the same or substantially similar evidence is relevant and material to the matters at issue in complaints by more than one complainant or in complaints by a single complainant with respect to two or more claimed violations, if, in the judgment of the hearing officer, consolidation of one or more proceedings would not prejudice any interested party, the hearing officer may:
7.7 If the party that filed the appeal does not participate in the hearing, the appeal may be dismissed.
7.8 The division shall keep a full and complete record of all proceedings in connection with the investigation. All testimony at a hearing must be recorded by the division but need not be transcribed unless the hearing officer's decision is appealed.
7.9 The hearing officer may, upon the application of any party or on his or her own motion, convene a prehearing conference to discuss the issues on appeal, the evidence to be presented, and any other relevant matters that may simplify further proceedings.
7.10 The hearing officer shall make a decision on each relevant issue raised, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an order. The hearing officer will decide whether the division's determination is based on a clear error of fact or law.
7.11 The hearing officer shall not engage in ex parte communication with any party to an appeal.
7.12 The hearing officer's decision constitutes a final agency action pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-4-106. The division shall promptly provide all parties with a copy of the hearing officer's decision via U.S. postal mail, electronic means, or personal delivery.
7.13 Any party to the administrative proceeding may appeal the hearing officer's decision only by commencing an action for judicial review in the district court of competent jurisdiction within thirty-five days after the date of mailing of the decision by the division. The hearing officer's decision constitutes a final agency action pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-4-106. Judicial review is limited to appeal briefs and the record designated on appeal.