SB 1031 - This act expands the hearing powers of the Administrative Hearing Commission (AHC). The AHC will conduct hearings and make findings of fact and conclusions of law in any contested case commenced either by a state agency or affected party. Hearings will conform to the rules of civil procedure. It is not necessary to retain counsel for representation before the AHC. The AHC will adopt rules and procedure to facilitate individuals representing themselves. The AHC has the authority to stay or suspend any action of a state agency pending the commission's findings and determination in a contested case. The AHC will promulgate procedural rules for contested cases. Rules of procedure shall be designed to simplify the maintenance of actions and enable review to be sought without the need to be represented by counsel.

The AHC is expanded from three members to six members. Offices will be located in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. Cases heard by an agency prior to January 1, 2003, shall be decided by that agency and disposed of. Cases which are pending as of January 1, 2003, will be transferred to the AHC.
CINDY KADLEC