Sec. 24. (a) At any stage of a proceeding, if a party fails to:

(1) satisfy the requirements of section 7(a) of this chapter;

(2) file a responsive pleading required by statute or rule;

(3) attend or participate in a prehearing conference, hearing, or other stage of the proceeding; or

(4) take action on a matter for a period of sixty (60) days, if the party is responsible for taking the action;

the administrative law judge may serve upon all parties written notice of a proposed default or dismissal order, including a statement of the grounds.

(b) Within seven (7) days after service of a proposed default or dismissal order, the party against whom it was issued may file a written motion requesting that the proposed default order not be imposed and stating the grounds relied upon. During the time within which a party may file a written motion under this subsection, the administrative law judge may adjourn the proceedings or conduct them without the participation of the party against whom a proposed default order was issued, having due regard for the interest of justice and the orderly and prompt conduct of the proceedings.

(c) If the party has failed to file a written motion under subsection (b), the administrative law judge shall issue the default or dismissal order. If the party has filed a written motion under subsection (b), the administrative law judge may either enter the order or refuse to enter the order.

(d) After issuing a default order, the administrative law judge shall conduct any further proceedings necessary to complete the proceeding without the participation of the party in default and shall determine all issues in the adjudication, including those affecting the defaulting party. The administrative law judge may conduct proceedings in accordance with section 23 of this chapter to resolve any issue of fact.

As added by P.L.18-1986, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.72-2014, SEC.5.