(a) Oral testimony shall be taken only under oath or affirmation.(b) The hearing need not be conducted in accordance with technical rules of evidence. Rather, the hearing officer shall admit evidence that is the type of evidence that responsible persons are accustomed to relying upon in the conduct of serious affairs. Hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose of supplementing or explaining other evidence, but upon timely objection shall not be sufficient by itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in a civil court action.(c) The rules of privilege shall be effective to the extent that they are otherwise required by statute to be recognized.(d) Regarding evidence claimed to be trade secrets or other confidential information, the hearing officer will defer to the findings and conclusions of law made by the superior court pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 43105.5(b) and title 13, CCR, section 1969(i). The hearing officer shall preserve the confidentiality of information determined to be a trade secret and may make such orders as may be necessary, including considering such information in a closed meeting.(e) In reaching a decision, official notice may be taken, either before or after submission of the proceeding for decision, of any generally accepted technical or scientific matter within the state board's area of expertise, and determinations, rulings, orders, findings and decisions, required by law to be made by the hearing officer. (1) The hearing officer shall take official notice of those matters set forth in section 451 of the Evidence Code.(2) The hearing officer may take official notice of those matters set forth in section 452 of the Evidence Code.(3) Each party shall give notice of a request to take official notice and be given reasonable opportunity on request to present information relevant to: (A) The propriety of taking official notice; and(B) The effect of the matter to be noticed.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 60060.30
1. New section filed 9-12-2002; operative 10-1-2002 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2002, No. 37). Note: Authority cited: Sections 39600, 39601 and 43105.5(e) and (f), Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 43105.5(e) and (f), Health and Safety Code; Sections 451 and 452, Evidence Code; Section 1969, title 13, California Code of Regulations; and Mathews v. Eldridge (1976) 424 U.S. 319.
1. New section filed 9-12-2002; operative 10-1-2002 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2002, No. 37).