Three SOAH ALJs issued orders late last week establishing initial procedural schedules and discovery guidelines. The orders request that Staff file its recommendations as to deficiencies, notice, and procedural schedules on Oct. 7.
Docket No. 37407 Docket No. 37408 Docket No. 37409
Due to the expedited nature of the proceedings, the ALJs state that initial prehearing conferences before the deadlines for intervention are appropriate. The hearing date will be discussed at the first conferences. The second conferences will require discussions of proposed scheduling orders and hearing dates. It appears that the first prehearing conferences will be held simultaneously.
Docket No. 37407 First Prehearing Conference – Oct. 6, 10:00 a.m., Second Prehearing Conference – Oct. 27th, 10:00 a.m.
Docket No. 37408 First Prehearing Conference – Oct. 6, 10:00 a.m., Second Prehearing Conference – week of October 19th.
Docket No. 37409 First Prehearing Conference – Oct. 6, 10:00 a.m., Second Prehearing Conference – week of October 19th.
Because the case is proceeding on an expedited basis, the ALJs found that it is preferable to have discovery deadlines shortened. Responses to RFIs and Requests for Admission must be provided within 10 calendar days, objections to discovery must be made within 5 working days of receipt, motions to compel must be filed within 2 days of receipt. If a motion to compel is filed, the ALJs will require the party filing the objection to file a response, even if the dispute is settled.
The administrative law judges assigned to the dockets are:
Docket No. 37407 – Judge Steven D. Arnold
Docket No. 37408 – Judge Katherine L. Smith
Docket No. 37409 – Judge Kerrie Qualtrough