Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 15 - Governor, Office of
Rule 15.04.01 - RULES OF THE DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND IDAHO PERSONNEL COMMISSION
Section 15.04.01.201 - APPEAL PROCEDURE

01. Idaho Rules of Administrative Procedure of the Attorney General. In addition to the following rules on appeals and petitions for review, the "Idaho Rules of Administrative Procedure of the Attorney General" on contested cases, IDAPA 04.11.01.000 et seq., apply with the following exceptions, which are inconsistent with the Commission's statute or practice: IDAPA 04.11.01.055, 202, 240, 250, 270.01, 280, 300, 302, 651, 720, 730, 740, 790, 791, 821.02, and 860. Petitions for rulemaking and declaratory rulings are addressed in Rules 270 and 271. (3-31-22)

02. Filing of Appeal and Appearances. Every appeal filed with the Commission must be written and state the decision that is being appealed and the action requested of the Commission. The Commission must serve a copy of the appeal on the respondent and upon the legal counsel for the Commission. Notices of appearance and notices of substitution of counsel need not be filed by deputy attorneys general or members of law firms already representing a party in an appeal or petition for review. (3-31-22)

03. Time for Appeal. An appeal from a decision of an appointing authority is deemed to be timely filed if received at the office of the Commission within thirty-five (35) calendar days after completion of the agency due process procedure. Personal delivery or deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid, of a written notification to the affected employee of the appointing authority's decision constitutes completion of the agency due process procedure. An appeal of a decision or action of the administrator or staff must be filed at the office of the Commission within thirty-five (35) calendar days of personal delivery of notice of the decision or action, deposit of the notice in the United States mail, postage prepaid, or deposit of the notice in Statehouse mail. (3-31-22)

04. Non-Jurisdictional Appeals. Appeals which are non-jurisdictional may be dismissed without motion by the hearing officer, the chair of the Commission, or his designee. If a hearing officer orders such a dismissal, the dismissal may be appealed to the Commission as a petition for review pursuant to Rule 202.01. If the chair of the Commission orders such a dismissal, it constitutes the final order of the Commission and may be appealed pursuant to Sections 67-5317(3) and 67-5318, Idaho Code. (3-31-22)

05. Setting of Hearing. Within fifteen (15) days after receiving the appeal from the Commission, the hearing officer must consult with the parties to set a mutually agreeable date for hearing. The hearing officer may thereafter postpone or continue the hearing for good cause. (3-31-22)

06. Filing of Documents. Once an appeal is referred to the hearing officer, all documents relating thereto must be filed directly with the hearing officer during the pendency of the appeal with copies provided simultaneously to opposing counsel and unrepresented parties. (3-31-22)

07. Burden of Proof. In disciplinary actions, the appointing authority has the burden of proving cause for the discipline by a preponderance of the evidence. In all other actions, the appellant has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. (3-31-22)

08. Open Hearing. Every hearing is public, unless the hearing officer closes the hearing for good cause. Individual parties may represent themselves (pro se) or be represented by an attorney. (3-31-22)

09. Protective Orders. The hearing officer may issue protective orders limiting access to information obtained in the course of a hearing. (3-31-22)

10. Decision of Hearing Officer. The hearing officer must issue a decision in the form of a preliminary order explaining the right to file a petition for review under Section 67-5317, Idaho Code. The preliminary order, consisting of such findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders as are necessary, together with the record of the proceedings must be filed at the office of the Commission with a copy sent or delivered to the parties. A motion for reconsideration under Section 67-5243, Idaho Code, is not permitted. (3-31-22)

11. Procedure for Award of Attorney Fees and Costs. As part of his preliminary order, the hearing officer must make findings as to the entitlement to attorney fees and costs, if any, pursuant to Section 12-117, Idaho Code. If the hearing officer finds a prevailing party is entitled to statutory attorney fees and costs, the prevailing party must file a memorandum of costs, including a supporting affidavit stating the basis and method of computation of the amount claimed. The memorandum must be filed with the hearing officer not later than ten (10) working days after receipt of the hearing officer's decision or no attorney fees and costs may be awarded. Objections to the award of attorney fees and costs must be filed not later than ten (10) working days after receipt of the memorandum of costs and supporting affidavit. The hearing officer must conduct a hearing on the award of attorney fees and costs within ten (10) days of receiving any objections to the award. If no objections are timely filed with the hearing officer, or if the parties stipulate to have the matter decided on the briefs, no hearing is required. The hearing officer determines the amount of the award and must make written findings as to the basis and reasons for the award within ten (10) days after the hearing on the award of attorney fees and costs. If no hearing is required, the hearing officer must issue his decision on the award of attorney fees and costs no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the prevailing party's memorandum of costs and supporting affidavit. (3-31-22)

12. Factors Considered in Award of Attorney Fees and Costs. The following factors are considered in the determination of an award of attorney fees and costs: the time and labor required; (3-31-22)