§3214. Adjudicatory hearings

           All adjudicatory hearings held by the commission shall be conducted in accordance with the following provisions:

           (1) The commissioner shall convene the commission for the purpose of hearing the matter.

           (2) The commissioner shall appoint a hearing officer, who shall preside over the hearing.

           (3) The commissioner may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents and records anywhere in the state in any hearing before the commission.

           (4) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

           (5) The commission shall make an initial determination on the matter. This determination shall be submitted to the commissioner in writing.

           (6) The commissioner shall make the final determination on the matter. If the determination of the commissioner differs from the determination of the commission, the commissioner shall issue a written opinion based on the record of the hearing.

           (7) Except as otherwise provided in this Paragraph, appeals from rulings of the commissioner shall be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 49:978.1(B), any appeal from a determination of the commissioner, when filed in forma pauperis, shall be by civil proceedings in the district court for the parish in which the violation occurred.

           Added by Acts 1982, No. 198, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; Acts 1983, No. 228, §1; Acts 1985, No. 168, §1.