[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR209.209]

[Page 26-27]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 209_RAILROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
 
                       Subpart C_Compliance Orders
 
Sec. 209.209  Hearing.

    (a) When a respondent files a reply contesting allegations in a 
notice of investigation issued under Sec. 209.203 or when the FRA and 
the respondent fail to agree upon an acceptable consent order, the 
hearing officer designated by the Chief Counsel convenes and presides 
over a hearing on the proposed compliance order.
    (b) The presiding official may:
    (1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
    (2) Issue subpoenas as provided by Sec. 209.7;
    (3) Adopt procedures for the submission of evidence;
    (4) Take or cause depositions to be taken;
    (5) Rule on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
    (6) Examine witnesses at the hearing;
    (7) Convene, recess, reconvene, ad- journ and otherwise regulate the 
course of the hearing;
    (8) Hold conferences for settlement, simplification of the issues or 
any other proper purpose; and
    (9) Take any other action authorized by or consistent with the 
provisions of this subpart pertaining to compliance orders and permitted 
by law which may

[[Page 27]]

expedite the hearing or aid in the disposition of an issue raised 
therein.
    (c) The Chief Counsel has the burden of providing the facts alleged 
in the notice of investigation and may offer such relevant information 
as may be necessary fully to inform the presiding officer as to the 
matter concerned.
    (d) The respondent may appear and be heard on his or her own behalf 
or through counsel of his or her choice. The respondent or his or her 
counsel may offer relevant information, including testimony which he or 
she believes should be considered in defense of the allegations or which 
may bear on the remedial action being sought, and conduct such cross-
examination as may be required for a full disclosure of the material 
facts.
    (e) At the conclusion of the hearing or as soon thereafter as the 
hearing officer shall provide, the parties may file proposed findings 
and conclusions, together with supporting reasons therefor.