77-506. Conversion of proceedings. (a) At any point in a state agency proceeding the presiding officer or other state agency official responsible for the proceeding:

(1) May convert the proceeding to another type of state agency proceeding if the conversion is appropriate, is in the public interest and does not substantially prejudice the rights of any party; and

(2) if required by any provision of law, shall convert the proceeding to another type of state agency proceeding.

(b) A conversion of a proceeding of one type to a proceeding of another type may be effected only upon notice to all parties to the original proceeding.

(c) If the presiding officer or other state agency official responsible for the original proceeding would not have authority over the new proceeding to which it is to be converted, that officer or official, in accordance with state agency procedure, shall secure the appointment of a successor to preside over or be responsible for the new proceeding.

(d) The record of the original state agency proceeding may be used in the new state agency proceeding.

(e) After a proceeding is converted from one type to another, the presiding officer or other state agency official responsible for the new proceeding shall:

(1) Give such additional notice to parties or other persons as is necessary to satisfy the requirements pertaining to those proceedings;

(2) dispose of the matters involved without further proceedings if sufficient proceedings have already been held to satisfy the requirements pertaining to the new proceedings; and

(3) conduct or cause to be conducted any additional proceedings necessary to satisfy the requirements pertaining to those proceedings.

History: L. 1984, ch. 313, § 6; L. 1988, ch. 356, § 2; July 1, 1989.