Assembly Bill A640

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                   640

                       2015-2016 Regular Sessions

                          I N  A S S E M B L Y

                               (PREFILED)

                             January 7, 2015
                               ___________

Introduced by M. of A. LENTOL -- read once and referred to the Committee
  on Governmental Operations

AN ACT to amend the executive law and the state administrative procedure
  act,  in relation to the creation of an office of administrative hear-
  ings

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1. Legislative findings.  New York's system of administrative
adjudication is fragmented, and offers the appearance of  unfairness  to
those  who  seek  access to relief from administrative actions that they
consider unfair or unfounded.
  The  state's  administrative  adjudication  responsibilities  are  not
unified  because  the  system provides for the conduct of administrative
hearings in each of the state agencies which  enforce  laws,  rules  and
regulations.  The result is duplication of functions, inconsistencies in
procedures and policies, and confusion for those who seek to make use of
the process. At the same time, lodging the responsibility for adjudicat-
ing cases in the agencies which are responsible for bringing enforcement
actions  can  create  the appearance of unfairness to those who may feel
that their accuser is also judging their acts.
  In contrast to New York's agency based system, a number of states have
adopted a different model for their  administrative  adjudication  proc-
esses, which centralizes the responsibility for hearing contested admin-
istrative  adjudications  in  a  single  office.  This alternative model
offers savings from the  elimination  of  duplicative  responsibilities,
consistency  in  processes,  and fairness for those who seek relief from
administrative rulings with which they disagree.
  This act creates a process by which New York state  will  implement  a
central system of administrative hearings.

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD01818-01-5
              

A. 640                              2

  S 2. The executive law is amended by adding a new article 26-A to read
as follows:
                              ARTICLE 26-A
                    OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
SECTION 720. DEFINITIONS.
        721. OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.
        722. CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE  LAW  JUDGE;  FUNCTIONS,  POWERS  AND
               DUTIES.
        723. HEARINGS.
        724. HEARING OFFICERS; QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES.
        725. ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS TO WHICH HEARING OFFICERS ARE  NOT
               ASSIGNABLE; EXCEPTIONS.
        726. CONSTRUCTION; SEVERABILITY.
  S  720.  DEFINITIONS.  WHEN  USED  IN  THIS ARTICLE UNLESS THE CONTEXT
OTHERWISE REQUIRES:
  1. "AGENCY" MEANS ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD, BUREAU, COMMISSION, DIVISION,
OFFICE, COUNCIL, COMMITTEE OR OFFICER OF THE STATE, OR A PUBLIC  BENEFIT
CORPORATION  OR  PUBLIC  AUTHORITY,  A  MAJORITY  OF THE GOVERNING BOARD
MEMBERS OF WHICH ARE EITHER  APPOINTED  BY  THE  GOVERNOR  OR  SERVE  AS
MEMBERS  BY VIRTUE OF THEIR SERVICE AS AN OFFICER OF A STATE DEPARTMENT,
DIVISION, AGENCY, BOARD OR BUREAU OR COMBINATION THEREOF  AUTHORIZED  BY
LAW TO MAKE RULES OR TO MAKE FINAL DECISIONS IN ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS
BUT  SHALL  NOT  INCLUDE  THE  GOVERNOR, AGENCIES IN THE LEGISLATIVE AND
JUDICIAL BRANCHES, AGENCIES CREATED BY INTERSTATE  COMPACT  OR  INTERNA-
TIONAL    AGREEMENT OR THE DIVISION OF MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS TO THE
EXTENT IT EXERCISES ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR MILITARY AND  NAVAL  AFFAIRS,
THE  DIVISION  OF STATE POLICE, THE IDENTIFICATION AND INTELLIGENCE UNIT
OF THE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES, THE STATE INSURANCE  FUND,
THE  UNEMPLOYMENT  INSURANCE  APPEALS  BOARD,  THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION
BOARD, THE STATE DIVISION OF PAROLE, THE DEPARTMENT OF  CORRECTIONS  AND
COMMUNITY  SUPERVISION,  THE DIVISION OF TAX APPEALS, THE PUBLIC EMPLOY-
MENT RELATIONS BOARD, THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD, THE NEW YORK STATE
ETHICS COMMISSION OR THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.
  2. "AGENCY MEMBER" MEANS AND INCLUDES THE INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP OF INDI-
VIDUALS CONSTITUTING THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY WITHIN ANY AGENCY  AUTHORIZED
OR  REQUIRED  BY LAW TO MAKE FINAL DECISIONS IN AN ADJUDICATORY PROCEED-
ING.
  3. "ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDING" MEANS ANY ACTIVITY,  INCLUDING  LICENSING
ACTIVITY,  AS  DEFINED IN ARTICLE ONE OF THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCE-
DURE ACT AND HEARINGS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR  VEHICLES  PURSUANT  TO
ARTICLE  TWO-A OF THE VEHICLE AND TRAFFIC LAW, BEFORE AN AGENCY IN WHICH
A DETERMINATION OF THE LEGAL RIGHTS,  DUTIES,  OBLIGATIONS,  PRIVILEGES,
BENEFITS  OR  OTHER LEGAL RELATIONS OF NAMED PARTIES THERETO IS REQUIRED
BY LAW OR PURSUANT TO A CONTRACT TO WHICH AN AGENCY  IS  A  PARTY  WHERE
SUCH CONTRACT INCLUDES ADJUDICATORY DETERMINATIONS CONDUCTED BY AN AGEN-
CY TO BE MADE ONLY AFTER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEARING ON THE RECORD, BUT
SHALL  NOT  INCLUDE RULE MAKING PROCEEDINGS AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE ONE OF
THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT INCLUDING RATE MAKING PROCEEDINGS
OR OTHER ACTIONS AS DEFINED BY  PARAGRAPH  (A)  OF  SUBDIVISION  TWO  OF
SECTION  ONE  HUNDRED  TWO OF THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT, AN
EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINARY ACTION, PROFESSIONAL LICENSING OR  STUDENT  DISCI-
PLINARY  ACTION    OR A PROCEEDING CONDUCTED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION
ASSOCIATION OR ANY SIMILAR NEUTRAL ADJUDICATORY ENTITY.
  4. "CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE" MEANS THE DIRECTOR OF  ADMINISTRA-
TIVE HEARINGS.

A. 640                              3

  5. "HEARING OFFICER" MEANS A PERSON APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRA-
TIVE  LAW  JUDGE  TO  CONDUCT  OR  PRESIDE  OVER  CONTESTED ADJUDICATORY
PROCEEDINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE.
  6.  "CONTESTED ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDING" MEANS AN ADJUDICATORY PROCEED-
ING IN WHICH A REQUEST FOR A HEARING ON DISPUTED ISSUES IS MADE.
  7.  "UNCONTESTED  ADJUDICATORY  PROCEEDING"  MEANS   AN   ADJUDICATORY
PROCEEDING IN WHICH NO REQUEST FOR A HEARING IS RECEIVED AFTER NOTICE IS
GIVEN.
  8. "OFFICE" MEANS THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.
  S  721. OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.  1. THERE IS HEREBY CREATED
IN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT AN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.    THE
OFFICE  SHALL BE INDEPENDENT OF STATE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES AND SHALL,
NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF ANY OTHER GENERAL OR SPECIAL  LAW,  BE
RESPONSIBLE  FOR IMPARTIAL ADMINISTRATION OF ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE OTHER THAN THOSE EXEMPTED
ELSEWHERE IN THIS ARTICLE. THE CENTRAL OFFICE OF  THE  OFFICE  SHALL  BE
LOCATED  IN  ALBANY, AND REGIONAL OFFICES SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AND MAIN-
TAINED BY THE OFFICE AS THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY DETERMINE
AND FOR WHICH APPROPRIATIONS ARE MADE THEREFOR.
  2. THE HEAD OF THE OFFICE, WHO SHALL BE ITS CHIEF  EXECUTIVE  OFFICER,
SHALL  BE  THE  CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WHO SHALL BE APPOINTED BY
THE GOVERNOR BY AND WITH THE CONSENT OF THE SENATE TO SERVE FOR  A  TERM
OF  SIX  YEARS.  SUCH  PERSON  SHALL  BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ON THE SUBJECT OF
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCEDURES  AND  SKILLED  IN  MATTERS  PERTAINING
THERETO.    ONCE  APPOINTED  AND CONFIRMED, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
JUDGE SHALL SERVE UNTIL HIS OR HER TERM EXPIRES  OR  UNTIL  HIS  OR  HER
SUCCESSOR  HAS  BEEN  APPOINTED AND HAS BEEN QUALIFIED. A VACANCY IN THE
OFFICE OF CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE  OCCURRING  OTHERWISE  THAN  BY
EXPIRATION  OF  TERM  SHALL BE FILLED FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM IN THE SAME
MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS. THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY,
AFTER NOTICE AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD, BE REMOVED BY THE  GOVERNOR
FOR  NEGLECT OF DUTY OR MISFEASANCE IN OFFICE, AND THE CHIEF ADMINISTRA-
TIVE LAW JUDGE MAY BE REMOVED FOR OTHER  CAUSE  BY  THE  SENATE  ON  THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE GOVERNOR. THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL
DEVOTE  HIS  OR  HER  ENTIRE TIME TO THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE. THE CHIEF
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL RECEIVE A SALARY IN THE  SAME  AMOUNT  AS
THAT RECEIVED BY A STATE OFFICER DESIGNATED IN PARAGRAPH (C) OF SUBDIVI-
SION ONE OF SECTION ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-NINE OF THIS CHAPTER.
  S  722.  CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE; FUNCTIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES.
THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL HAVE THE  FOLLOWING  FUNCTIONS,
POWERS AND DUTIES:
  1.  TO  ESTABLISH,  CONSOLIDATE,  ALTER  OR  ABOLISH ANY BUREAU IN THE
OFFICE; TO APPOINT THE HEAD OF SUCH BUREAUS AND FIX THEIR  DUTIES;  SUCH
BUREAUS  MAY  BE  ESTABLISHED  FOR  THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SPECIALIZED
HEARINGS FOR ANY GIVEN SUBJECT AREA.
  2.  SUBJECT TO THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW  AND  THE  APPLICABLE  COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENT, TO APPOINT, REMOVE OR TRANSFER DEPUTIES, OFFICERS,
ASSISTANTS,  HEARING  OFFICERS,  COUNSELS  AND OTHER EMPLOYEES AS MAY BE
NECESSARY FOR THE EXERCISE OF THE POWERS AND PERFORMANCE OF  THE  DUTIES
OF THE OFFICE; AND TO PRESCRIBE THEIR DUTIES, AND FIX THEIR COMPENSATION
WITHIN THE AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED THEREFOR.
  3. WHEN REGULARLY APPOINTED HEARING OFFICERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE OR WHEN
THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE FINDS THAT THE CHARACTER OF A SPECIF-
IC  CASE REQUIRES THE UTILIZATION OF A DIFFERENT PROCEDURE FOR ASSIGNING
HEARING OFFICERS, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, PURSUANT TO APPLI-
CABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING  AGREEMENTS,  MAY  CONTRACT  WITH  QUALIFIED

A. 640                              4

INDIVIDUALS  TO  SERVE  AS HEARING OFFICERS.   SUCH INDIVIDUALS SHALL BE
COMPENSATED FOR THEIR SERVICES ON A CONTRACTUAL BASIS FOR  EACH  HEARING
PURSUANT  TO  A  REASONABLE  FEE  SCHEDULE ESTABLISHED IN ADVANCE BY THE
CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE  LAW JUDGE. THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY
NOT CONTRACT WITH ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO IS  AT  THAT  TIME  AN  OFFICER  OR
EMPLOYEE  OF  THE  STATE. TEMPORARY HEARING OFFICERS SHALL HAVE THE SAME
QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS PERMANENT HEARING OFFICERS.
  4. TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM OF EVALUATION TO AID  THE  CHIEF
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS OR HER DUTIES, AND TO
ASSIST  IN THE MAKING OF PROMOTIONS, DEMOTIONS OR REMOVALS. THIS PROGRAM
OF EVALUATION SHALL FOCUS ON THREE  AREAS  OF  PERFORMANCE:  COMPETENCE,
PRODUCTIVITY  AND  DEMEANOR. IT SHALL INCLUDE CONSIDERATION OF: INDUSTRY
AND PROMPTNESS IN ADHERING TO SCHEDULES, MAKING  RULINGS  AND  RENDERING
DECISIONS;   TOLERANCE,  COURTESY,  PATIENCE,  ATTENTIVENESS,  AND  SELF
CONTROL IN DEALING WITH LITIGANTS, WITNESSES AND REPRESENTATIVES, AND IN
PRESIDING OVER ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS; SKILLS  AND  KNOWLEDGE  OF  THE
SUBJECT OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCEDURES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS THERE-
IN; ANALYTICAL TALENTS AND WRITING ABILITIES; SETTLEMENT SKILLS; QUANTI-
TY,  NATURE  AND  QUALITY  OF  CASE  LOAD  DISPOSITION; IMPARTIALITY AND
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS.   THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW  JUDGE  SHALL  DEVELOP
STANDARDS  AND  PROCEDURES  FOR THIS PROGRAM, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE TAKING
COMMENTS FROM SELECTED LITIGANTS AND REPRESENTATIVES WHO  HAVE  APPEARED
BEFORE  A HEARING OFFICER. THE METHODS USED BY A HEARING OFFICER BUT NOT
THE RESULTS ARRIVED AT BY THE HEARING OFFICER IN ANY CASE MAY BE USED IN
EVALUATING A HEARING OFFICER. BEFORE IMPLEMENTING ANY ACTION BASED  UPON
THE  FINDING  OF  THE  EVALUATION  PROGRAM, THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
JUDGE SHALL DISCUSS THE FINDINGS AND PROPOSED ACTION WITH  THE  AFFECTED
HEARING  OFFICER;  PROVIDED  HOWEVER  THAT  THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
JUDGE'S AUTHORITY  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  SUBDIVISION  IS  SUBJECT  TO  THE
PROVISIONS  OF  THE  CIVIL  SERVICE  LAW  AND  THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING AGREEMENT.
  5. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TO PUBLISH AND  MAKE  AVAILABLE  TO
THE  PUBLIC  ALL RECOMMENDED DECISIONS RENDERED BY A HEARING OFFICER AND
ALL DECISIONS RENDERED BY AN AGENCY AFTER A REVIEW OF  A  HEARING  OFFI-
CER'S  RECOMMENDED  DECISION.  THE  CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE  LAW JUDGE MAY
CHARGE A REASONABLE FEE FOR A COPY OF SUCH  DETERMINATION  OR  DECISION.
WHENEVER  ANY  LAW  OF  CONFIDENTIALITY  PREVENTS THE PUBLICATION OF THE
IDENTITY OF ANY OF THE PARTIES, AN EDITED  VERSION  OF  THE  RECOMMENDED
DECISION  AND  DECISION  OF THE AGENCY SHALL BE PREPARED WHICH SHALL NOT
DISCLOSE THE IDENTITIES OF THE PROTECTED PARTIES.
  6. TO COLLECT, COMPILE AND  PREPARE  FOR  PUBLICATION  STATISTICS  AND
OTHER  DATA WITH RESPECT TO THE OPERATIONS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE, AND
TO SUBMIT ANNUALLY TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT AND MINORITY
LEADER OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER AND MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY
A REPORT ON SUCH OPERATIONS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE NUMBER  OF
HEARINGS  INITIATED,  THE  NUMBER OF RECOMMENDED DECISIONS RENDERED, THE
NUMBER OF PARTIAL OR TOTAL REVERSALS BY  THE  AGENCIES,  THE  NUMBER  OF
PROCEEDINGS  PENDING, AND ON ANY RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF STATU-
TORY OR REGULATORY AMENDMENTS.
  7. TO STUDY THE SUBJECT OF  ADMINISTRATIVE  ADJUDICATION  IN  ALL  ITS
ASPECTS,  AND  TO  DEVELOP  RECOMMENDATIONS  INCLUDING ALTERNATE DISPUTE
RESOLUTION INCLUDING PRELIMINARY OR PREHEARING CONFERENCES OR  MEDIATION
WHICH  WOULD  PROMOTE  THE GOALS OF FAIRNESS, UNIFORMITY AND COST-EFFEC-
TIVENESS. AGENCIES SHALL GIVE THE OFFICE READY ACCESS TO  THEIR  RECORDS
AND FULL INFORMATION AND REASONABLE ASSISTANCE IN ANY MATTER OF RESEARCH
REQUIRING  RECOURSE  TO  THEM  OR  TO ANY DATA WITHIN THEIR KNOWLEDGE OR

A. 640                              5

CONTROL. SUCH ACCESS, INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE SHALL NOT  BE  REQUIRED
WHERE IT WOULD BE WITHIN EXISTING REQUIREMENTS OF CONFIDENTIALITY.
  8.  TO  ADOPT,  PROMULGATE, AMEND AND RESCIND RULES AND REGULATIONS TO
CARRY OUT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE AND THE POLICIES OF THE  OFFICE
IN  CONNECTION THEREWITH. SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL BE CONSISTENT
WITH THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT, SHALL SUPERSEDE ANY  INCON-
SISTENT  AGENCY RULES, AND SHALL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, UNIFORM
STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES, RULES OF PRACTICE, RULES OF  EVIDENCE,  STAND-
ARDS FOR DETERMINING WHEN AN EXPEDITED HEARING WILL BE CONDUCTED, STAND-
ARDS  FOR  UNCONTESTED  PROCEEDINGS, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES RELATED TO
TIME LIMITS FOR AGENCY ACTION PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF  SUBDIVISION
ONE OF SECTION THREE HUNDRED SEVEN OF THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
ACT,  STANDARDS FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF HEARING OFFICERS AND THEIR REMOVAL
FROM CASES, AND FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF  RECORDS  IN  ORDER  THAT,  WHERE
AUTHORIZED BY LAW, THE COSTS OF A HEARING MAY BE ALLOCATED TO A PARTY OR
TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
  9.  TO  SECURE,  COMPILE  AND MAINTAIN ALL REPORTS OF HEARING OFFICERS
ISSUED PURSUANT TO  THIS  ARTICLE,  AND  SUCH  REFERENCE  MATERIALS  AND
SUPPORTING  INFORMATION AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE AND TO ESTABLISH APPROPRI-
ATE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
  10. TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROGRAM FOR THE CONTINUING TRAINING  AND
EDUCATION OF HEARING OFFICERS AND ANCILLARY PERSONNEL.
  11.  TO  SUBMIT  TO THE GOVERNOR, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT AND MINORITY
LEADER OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER AND MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY
AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE OFFICE IN ATTAINING THE OBJEC-
TIVES SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE PREPARED BY AN ENTITY INDEPENDENT OF THE
OFFICE.  SUCH EVALUATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED BY NOVEMBER  THIRTIETH,  TWO
THOUSAND SEVENTEEN AND BY SEPTEMBER FIRST EVERY TWO YEARS THEREAFTER.
  S  723.  HEARINGS. 1. THE OFFICE SHALL BE VESTED WITH EXCLUSIVE JURIS-
DICTION TO HEAR CASES WHICH COME BEFORE IT AND ALL CONTESTED ADJUDICATO-
RY PROCEEDINGS REQUIRED TO BE CONDUCTED  UNDER  THIS  ARTICLE  SHALL  BE
CONDUCTED  BY A HEARING OFFICER ASSIGNED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
JUDGE.
  2. IF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DEEMS IT APPROPRIATE, A HEAR-
ING OFFICER MAY BE ASSIGNED BY THE CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE  LAW  JUDGE  TO
CONDUCT  OR  ASSIST  IN ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES AND PROCEEDINGS OTHER THAN
THOSE RELATED TO CONTESTED ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS, INCLUDING  BUT  NOT
LIMITED  TO,  RULE  MAKING AND INVESTIGATIVE HEARINGS IF REQUESTED BY AN
AGENCY.
  3. ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS SHALL BE SCHEDULED FOR SUITABLE  LOCATIONS
EITHER  AT  THE  OFFICES OF THE OFFICE OR ELSEWHERE IN THE STATE, TAKING
INTO CONSIDERATION THE CONVENIENCE OF THE WITNESSES AND PARTIES, AS WELL
AS THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
  4. HEARING OFFICERS SHALL BE ASSIGNED TO CONDUCT HEARINGS BY THE CHIEF
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WHO SHALL, WHENEVER  PRACTICAL,  USE  PERSONNEL
HAVING  EXPERTISE  IN  THE  FIELD  OR  SUBJECT MATTER OF THE HEARING AND
ASSIGN HEARING OFFICERS PRIMARILY TO THE HEARINGS OF PARTICULAR AGENCIES
ON A LONG TERM BASIS.
  5. ALL HEARINGS SHALL BE  CONDUCTED  IN  CONFORMANCE  WITH  THE  STATE
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT.
  6. UPON RECEIPT OF A REQUEST FOR A HEARING, AN AGENCY SHALL WITHIN TEN
BUSINESS  DAYS GIVE NOTICE TO THE OFFICE AND REQUEST THE ASSIGNMENT OF A
HEARING OFFICER TO THE PROCEEDING. THE CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE  LAW  JUDGE
SHALL COMMENCE A HEARING WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REQUIRED BY LAW OR IF NO
SUCH  PERIOD IS REQUIRED, WITHIN THIRTY BUSINESS DAYS OF SUCH NOTICE. IF
THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE, FOR GOOD CAUSE, CANNOT COMMENCE SUCH

A. 640                              6

HEARING WITHIN THE STATED PERIOD OF TIME, HE OR SHE SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE
TO ALL PARTIES, WITH SUCH CAUSE  SHOWN,  WITHIN  TEN  BUSINESS  DAYS  OF
RECEIPT  OF THE REQUEST FOR SUCH HEARING AND SHALL SCHEDULE SUCH HEARING
WITHIN TEN ADDITIONAL BUSINESS DAYS OF SUCH REQUEST.
  7.  NOTHING  IN  THIS  ARTICLE SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO DEPRIVE AN AGENCY
MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE WHETHER A DISPUTED ISSUE EXISTS  OR
TO  ADOPT,  REJECT OR MODIFY THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
OF ANY HEARING OFFICER.
  S 724. HEARING OFFICERS; QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS  AND  DUTIES.  1.  THE
CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL APPOINT HEARING OFFICERS WHO SHALL
BE AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT ANY HEARING OR MOTION PRACTICE AUTHORIZED TO BE
HELD BY THE OFFICE. HEARING OFFICERS SHALL BE IN THE  COMPETITIVE  CLASS
OF THE CLASSIFIED CIVIL SERVICE.
  2. UNLESS OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY LAW AND EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBDI-
VISION THREE OF THIS SECTION, A HEARING OFFICER SHALL NOT COMMUNICATE IN
CONNECTION  WITH  ANY  ISSUE THAT RELATES IN ANY WAY TO THE MERITS OF AN
ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDING PENDING BEFORE  THE  HEARING  OFFICER  WITH  ANY
PERSON  EXCEPT  UPON  NOTICE  AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PARTIES TO PARTIC-
IPATE.
  3. A HEARING OFFICER MAY CONSULT ON QUESTIONS OF LAW  AND  MINISTERIAL
MATTERS  WITH HIS OR HER SUPERVISOR, OTHER HEARING OFFICERS, AND SUPPORT
STAFF OF THE OFFICE, PROVIDED THAT SUCH SUPERVISORS, HEARING OFFICERS OR
SUPPORT STAFF HAVE NOT BEEN ENGAGED IN  INVESTIGATIVE  OR  PROSECUTORIAL
FUNCTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDING UNDER CONSIDER-
ATION OR A FACTUALLY RELATED ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDING.
  4.  A HEARING OFFICER SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PROCEEDING TO WHICH
HE OR SHE IS A PARTY; IN WHICH HE OR SHE HAS BEEN ATTORNEY,  COUNSEL  OR
REPRESENTATIVE;  IN  WHICH  HE  OR SHE IS INTERESTED; OR IF HE OR SHE IS
RELATED BY CONSANGUINITY OR AFFINITY TO ANY  PARTY  TO  THE  CONTROVERSY
WITHIN THE SIXTH DEGREE.
  5. HEARING OFFICERS SHALL:
  (A) HAVE ALL OF THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF PRESIDING OFFICERS AS AUTHOR-
IZED BY ARTICLE THREE OF THE STATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT.
  (B)  ADVISE AN AGENCY, AS TO THE LOCATION AT WHICH AND THE TIME DURING
WHICH A HEARING SHOULD BE HELD SO AS TO ALLOW FOR PARTICIPATION  BY  ALL
AFFECTED INTERESTS.
  (C) CONDUCT ONLY HEARINGS FOR WHICH PROPER NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN.
  (D)  SEE TO IT THAT ALL HEARINGS ARE CONDUCTED IN A FAIR AND IMPARTIAL
MANNER.
  (E) ISSUE A RECOMMENDED DECISION TO AN AGENCY STATING FINDINGS OF FACT
AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW.
  6.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF PARAGRAPH (E)  OF  SUBDIVISION
FIVE  OF  THIS  SECTION,  HEARING  OFFICERS  SHALL RENDER DETERMINATIONS
CONCERNING CHARGES PURSUANT TO ARTICLE TWO-A OF THE VEHICLE AND  TRAFFIC
LAW.
  S  725.  ADJUDICATORY  PROCEEDINGS  TO  WHICH HEARING OFFICERS ARE NOT
ASSIGNABLE; EXCEPTIONS. UNLESS A REQUEST IS MADE BY THE AGENCY, NO HEAR-
ING OFFICER SHALL BE ASSIGNED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW  JUDGE  TO
HEAR AN ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO:
  1.  THE  DIVISION OF MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS TO THE EXTENT IT EXER-
CISES ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR MILITARY AND NAVAL AFFAIRS, THE DIVISION OF
STATE POLICE, THE IDENTIFICATION AND INTELLIGENCE UNIT OF  THE  DIVISION
OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES, THE STATE INSURANCE FUND, THE UNEMPLOYMENT
INSURANCE  APPEALS  BOARD,  THE  WORKERS'  COMPENSATION BOARD, THE STATE
DIVISION OF PAROLE, THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND  COMMUNITY  SUPER-
VISION,  THE  DIVISION  OF  TAX APPEALS, THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS

A. 640                              7

BOARD AND THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD,  THE  NEW  YORK  STATE  ETHICS
COMMISSION OR THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.
  2.  ANY PROCEEDING RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS IN THE CARE OR CUSTODY OF A
MEDICAL, MENTAL, REHABILITATIVE OR  CUSTODIAL  PROGRAM  OPERATED  BY  AN
AGENCY.
  3. UNCONTESTED ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS.
  4.  ANY MATTER WHERE AN AGENCY MEMBER, COMMISSIONER OR SEVERAL COMMIS-
SIONERS ARE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT, OR DETERMINE TO CONDUCT,  THE  HEARINGS
DIRECTLY AND INDIVIDUALLY.
  5.    ANY  HEARING  WHICH MUST, BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL LAW, BE
CONDUCTED BY ANOTHER STATE AGENCY.
  S 726. CONSTRUCTION; SEVERABILITY. 1.  THE PROVISIONS OF THIS  ARTICLE
SHALL  NOT  BE  CONSTRUED  TO  LIMIT  OR  REPEAL ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
IMPOSED BY LAW.
  2. IF ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO  ANY
PERSON  OR  CIRCUMSTANCES  IS  ADJUDGED  INVALID BY A COURT OF COMPETENT
JURISDICTION, SUCH JUDGMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT OR IMPAIR THE  VALIDITY  OF
THE OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE OR THE APPLICATION THEREOF TO OTHER
PERSONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES.
  S  3.  Subdivision 2 of section 301 of the state administrative proce-
dure act, as amended by chapter 675 of the laws of 1986, is  amended  to
read as follows:
   2. All parties shall be given reasonable WRITTEN notice of such hear-
ing,  which notice shall include (a) a statement of the time, place, and
nature of the hearing; (b) a statement of the legal authority and juris-
diction under which the hearing is to be held; (c) a  reference  to  the
particular  sections of the statutes and rules involved, where possible;
(d) a short and plain statement of matters asserted; and (e) a statement
that interpreter services shall be made available to deaf persons, at no
charge, pursuant to this section.  Upon application of any party, a more
definite and detailed statement shall be furnished whenever  the  agency
finds that the statement is not sufficiently definite or not sufficient-
ly  detailed.  The finding of the agency as to the sufficiency of defin-
iteness or detail of the statement or its failure or refusal to  furnish
a  more  definite or detailed statement shall not be subject to judicial
review. Any statement furnished shall be deemed, in all respects, to  be
a part of the notice of hearing.
  S  4.  Subdivision 6 of section 301 of the state administrative proce-
dure act, as amended by chapter 703 of the laws of 1991, is  amended  to
read as follows:
  6.  Whenever  any  deaf  person is a party OR A WITNESS THEREIN, to an
adjudicatory proceeding before an agency[,] or [a witness  therein]  THE
OFFICE  OF  ADMINISTRATIVE  HEARINGS IN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, AS THE
CASE MAY BE, such agency OR SUCH OFFICE OF  ADMINISTRATIVE  HEARINGS  in
all  instances shall appoint a qualified interpreter who is certified by
a recognized national or  New  York  state  credentialing  authority  to
interpret  the  proceedings  to, and the testimony of, such deaf person.
The agency OR SUCH OFFICE  OF  ADMINISTRATIVE  HEARINGS  conducting  the
adjudicatory  proceeding  shall  determine a reasonable fee for all such
interpreting services which shall be a charge upon the agency. WHERE THE
ADJUDICATORY HEARING IS BEFORE A HEARING OFFICER ASSIGNED BY  THE  CHIEF
ADMINISTRATIVE  LAW JUDGE OF SUCH OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, THE
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE SHALL DETERMINE A REASONABLE FEE FOR  ALL
SUCH  INTERPRETING SERVICES AND MAY CHARGE THE AGENCY FOR SUCH SERVICES,
BUT IN NO INSTANCE SHALL SUCH DEAF PERSONS BE CHARGED FOR SUCH SERVICES.

A. 640                              8

  S 5. Subdivision 1 of section 302 of the state  administrative  proce-
dure   act, as amended by chapter 250 of the laws of 1985, is amended to
read as follows:
   1.  The  record in an adjudicatory proceeding shall include:  (a) all
notices,  pleadings,  motions,  intermediate   rulings;   (b)   evidence
presented;  (c) a statement of matters officially noticed except matters
so obvious that a statement of them would serve no useful  purpose;  (d)
questions  and offers of proof, objections thereto, and rulings thereon;
(e) proposed findings and exceptions, if any; (f) any findings of  fact,
conclusions of law or other recommendations made by a presiding officer;
and  (g)  any  decision,  RECOMMENDED  DECISION, determination, opinion,
order or report rendered.
   S 6. The opening paragraph of subdivision 2 of  section  302  of  the
state administrative procedure act is designated paragraph (a) and a new
paragraph (b) is added to read as follows:
   (B)  WHERE  THE  ADJUDICATORY  HEARING  IS  BEFORE  A HEARING OFFICER
ASSIGNED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE OF THE OFFICE OF ADMINIS-
TRATIVE HEARINGS IN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, THE  CHIEF  ADMINISTRATIVE
LAW  JUDGE SHALL MAKE A COMPLETE RECORD OF ALL ADJUDICATORY PROCEEDINGS.
FOR THIS PURPOSE, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY STATUTE, THE CHIEF ADMIN-
ISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE MAY USE WHATEVER MEANS HE OR SHE DEEMS  APPROPRIATE,
INCLUDING  BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE USE OF STENOGRAPHIC TRANSCRIPTIONS OR
ELECTRONIC RECORDING DEVICES.  UPON REQUEST MADE BY ANY PARTY  UPON  THE
AGENCY  WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, BUT PRIOR TO THE TIME FOR COMMENCEMENT
OF JUDICIAL REVIEW, OF ITS GIVING NOTICE OF ITS DECISION, DETERMINATION,
OPINION OR ORDER, THE AGENCY SHALL SECURE A COPY  OF  THE  FINAL  RECORD
TOGETHER  WITH  ANY TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRA-
TIVE LAW JUDGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND SHALL FURNISH A COPY OF  THE
RECORD  AND TRANSCRIPT OR ANY PART THEREOF TO ANY PARTY AS HE OR SHE MAY
REQUEST. EXCEPT WHEN ANY STATUTE PROVIDES OTHERWISE, THE CHIEF  ADMINIS-
TRATIVE  LAW  JUDGE IS AUTHORIZED TO CHARGE THE AGENCY NOT MORE THAN ITS
COST FOR THE PREPARATION AND FURNISHING OF SUCH RECORD OR TRANSCRIPT  OR
ANY  PART  THEREOF,  AND  THE  AGENCY MAY PASS ANY SUCH CHARGE ON TO THE
PERSON REQUESTING THE RECORD.
  S 7. Section 307 of the state administrative procedure  act,  subdivi-
sion  3 as added by chapter 504 of the laws of 1983 and paragraph (a) of
subdivision 3 as amended by chapter 645 of the laws of 1995, is  amended
to read as follows:
  S  307. Decisions, determinations and orders. 1. WHERE THE ADMINISTRA-
TIVE HEARING IS BEFORE A HEARING OFFICER ASSIGNED BY THE CHIEF  ADMINIS-
TRATIVE LAW JUDGE OF THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS IN THE EXECU-
TIVE DEPARTMENT:
  (A)  AFTER  THE HEARING, THE HEARING OFFICER SHALL ISSUE A RECOMMENDED
DECISION BASED ON FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW WHICH SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO THE AGENCY, TO THE PARTIES  TO  THE  PROCEEDING  AND  THEIR
REPRESENTATIVES  WITHIN  REASONABLE TIME LIMITS PROVIDED FOR BY STATUTE,
OR, IF NO TIME LIMIT IS  SO  PROVIDED  FOR,  WITHIN  THIRTY  DAYS  AFTER
SUBMISSION  OF BRIEFS SUBSEQUENT TO THE COMPLETION OF THE HEARING OR, IF
BRIEFS ARE NOT SUBMITTED, THEN WITHIN THIRTY DAYS  AFTER  COMPLETION  OF
THE  HEARING,  PROVIDED  HOWEVER, THAT SUCH THIRTY DAY TIME LIMIT MAY BE
EXTENDED IN COMPLEX CASES FOR GOOD CAUSE SHOWN FOR AN ADDITIONAL  THIRTY
DAY  PERIOD  UPON  APPROVAL  BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE OF AN
APPLICATION FOR EACH SUCH EXTENSION FILED THEREFOR BY THE HEARING  OFFI-
CER. THE AGENCY MAY ADOPT THE RECOMMENDED DECISION IN ITS ENTIRETY OR IN
PART,  OR  ISSUE ITS OWN DECISION. UPON RECEIPT OF THE RECOMMENDED DECI-
SION OF THE HEARING OFFICER, THE AGENCY SHALL ADOPT OR ISSUE  ITS  FINAL

A. 640                              9

DECISION  WITHIN  FIFTEEN BUSINESS DAYS. SHOULD THE AGENCY FAIL TO ADOPT
OR ISSUE ITS FINAL DECISION WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS, THE  RECOMMENDED  DECI-
SION SHALL BECOME FINAL.
  (B)  WHERE  THE AGENCY DIFFERS FROM A FINDING OF FACT OR CONCLUSION OF
LAW MADE BY THE HEARING OFFICER IN THE RECOMMENDED DECISION, THE  AGENCY
SHALL MAKE A WRITTEN EXCEPTION TO SUCH FINDING AND STATE WHY IT HAS MADE
SUCH EXCEPTION, WHICH SHALL BE MADE PART OF THE RECORD. THE AGENCY SHALL
TRANSMIT  A  COPY OF EACH FINAL DECISION TO THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE
HEARINGS IN THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
  (C) IF THE AGENCY DETERMINES THAT ADDITIONAL  EVIDENCE  IS  NECESSARY,
THE  MATTER SHALL BE REFERRED TO SUCH OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS.
IF THE SAME HEARING OFFICER IS UNAVAILABLE, A DIFFERENT HEARING  OFFICER
SHALL  BE ASSIGNED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE OF SUCH OFFICE.
AFTER TAKING THE ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE, THE HEARING OFFICER SHALL  PREPARE
A  RECOMMENDED DECISION AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (A) OF THIS SUBDIVISION
UPON THE ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE AND THE RECORD OF THE PRIOR HEARING. A COPY
OF SUCH RECOMMENDED DECISION SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE AGENCY AND TO THE
PARTIES AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AS PROVIDED IN SUCH PARAGRAPH.
  2. A final decision, determination or order adverse to a party  in  an
adjudicatory  proceeding shall be in writing or stated in the record and
shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law or reasons for the
decision, determination or order.   Findings of fact, if  set  forth  in
statutory  language,  shall  be  accompanied  by  a concise and explicit
statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings.    If  [,  in
accordance  with  agency  rules,] a party submitted proposed findings of
fact, [the] A RECOMMENDED OR  FINAL  decision,  determination  or  order
shall  include a ruling upon each proposed finding.  A copy of the deci-
sion, determination or order shall be delivered or mailed  forthwith  to
each party and to his OR HER attorney of record.
  [2]  3.    Unless  required  for  the  disposition of ex parte matters
authorized by law, members or employees of an agency assigned to  render
a  decision  or  to  make  findings of fact and conclusions of law in an
adjudicatory proceeding shall not communicate, directly  or  indirectly,
in  connection with any issue of fact, with any person or party, nor, in
connection with any issue of law, with any party or his OR HER represen-
tative, except upon notice and opportunity for all  parties  to  partic-
ipate.  Any such agency member (a) may communicate with other members of
the agency, and (b) may have the aid and advice of  agency  staff  other
than  staff  which has been or is engaged in the investigative or prose-
cuting functions in connection with  the  case  under  consideration  or
factually related case.
   This  subdivision  does not apply (a) in determining applications for
initial licenses for public utilities or carriers; or (b) to proceedings
involving the validity or application of rates, facilities, or practices
of public utilities or carriers.
  [3] 4.  (a) Each agency shall maintain an index by name and subject of
all written RECOMMENDED AND final decisions, determinations  and  orders
rendered  by  the  agency in adjudicatory proceedings.   For purposes of
this subdivision, such index shall also include by name and subject  all
written  RECOMMENDED  OR  final  decisions,  determinations  and  orders
rendered by the agency pursuant to a  statute  providing  any  party  an
opportunity  to  be heard, other than a rule making.  Such index and the
text of any such written RECOMMENDED OR final decision, determination or
order shall be available for public inspection and copying. Each  RECOM-
MENDED  AND  FINAL  decision,  determination  and order shall be indexed
within sixty days after having been rendered.

A. 640                             10

  (b) An agency may delete from any such  index,  RECOMMENDED  OR  FINAL
decision,  determination  or  order  any information that, if disclosed,
would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy  under  the
provisions of subdivision two of section eighty-nine of the public offi-
cers law and may also delete at the request of any person all references
to  trade  secrets that, if disclosed, would cause substantial injury to
the competitive position of such person. Information  which would reveal
confidential material protected by federal or state  statute,  shall  be
deleted  from  any  such  index, RECOMMENDED OR FINAL decision, determi-
nation or order.
  S 8. Transfer of employees. 1. On or before January 1, 2016, the chief
administrative law judge of the office of administrative hearings in the
executive department, with the approval of the director of  the  budget,
shall file with the chairpersons of the senate finance and assembly ways
and  means  committees an implementation plan that indicates which posi-
tions are to be transferred (and from which agencies) in order to imple-
ment the organization of such office of administrative hearings and  the
structure of the program required to be administered pursuant to article
26-A of the executive law.
  2.  Upon the filing of an approved plan as provided for in subdivision
1 of this section, the chief administrative law judge of such office  is
authorized, subject to the approval of the director of the budget and in
accordance with the provisions of section 70 of the civil service law to
transfer  to such office such employees as he or she may deem necessary.
An employee so transferred shall not within a period of two  years  from
the  date of his or her transfer be subject to an involuntary assignment
which would require a relocation.
  3. A transferred employee shall remain in the same collective bargain-
ing unit as was the case prior to his or her transfer; successor employ-
ees to the positions held by such transferred employees shall,  consist-
ent  with  the  provisions  of  article  14 of the civil service law, be
included in the same unit as their predecessors.  Employees  serving  in
positions  in  newly created titles shall be assigned to the appropriate
bargaining unit. Nothing contained in article 26-A of the executive  law
shall be construed to affect:  (a) the rights of employees pursuant to a
collective  bargaining agreement; (b) the representational relationships
among employee organizations or the bargaining relationships between the
state and an employee organization; or (c) existing law with respect  to
an  application  to the public employment relations board seeking desig-
nation by such board that certain persons are  managerial  or  confiden-
tial.
  S  9. Transfer of records. The records and files of all hearings pend-
ing in and unheard by agencies as of September 1, 2016 shall  be  trans-
ferred to the office of administrative hearings in the executive depart-
ment.
  S  10.  Evaluations.  1. By July 1, 2017, a preliminary program evalu-
ation of the following items shall be undertaken by an entity  independ-
ent  of government, selected by the office of administrative hearings in
the executive department through a request  for  proposal  process.  The
evaluation shall assess:
  (a)  The  effectiveness  of such office to date in meeting legislative
objectives in program design and funding and its efficiency in  perform-
ing its functions;
  (b)  Any  changes  needed  in organization or processes, or in program
design, to provide adjudicatory services more effectively and efficient-
ly.

A. 640                             11

  Such evaluation shall be completed no later than  November  30,  2017,
and  shall  be submitted to the governor, the temporary president of the
senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leaders of the  senate
and  the  assembly, and the chairpersons of the senate finance committee
and the assembly ways and means committee.
  2.  By July 1, 2019, program evaluations of the following issues shall
be undertaken:
  (a) The extent to which such office has operated efficiently;
  (b) Changes needed in office organization or processes, or in  program
design, to provide adjudicatory services more efficiently;
  (c)  The effectiveness of the office in meeting legislative objectives
in program design and funding;
  (d) Changes needed in the organization or  processes,  or  in  program
design to deliver the program more effectively; and
  (e)  An assessment of alternative mechanisms which could provide adju-
dicatory services, taking into account potential effectiveness and effi-
ciency.
  3. Program evaluations shall be undertaken by:  (a)  the  state  comp-
troller;  and  (b) an entity independent of government, selected by such
office of administrative hearings through a request for  proposal  proc-
ess. Each review shall be completed no later than November 30, 2019, and
shall  be  submitted  to  the  governor,  the temporary president of the
senate, the speaker of the assembly, the minority leaders of the  senate
and  the  assembly, and the chairpersons of the senate finance committee
and the assembly ways and means committee.
  S 11. This act shall take effect immediately; provided  however,  that
section two of this act shall take effect September 1, 2016; and further
provided  that  this  act shall be applicable only to those adjudicatory
proceedings pending or unheard on or after September 1, 2016.