CHAPTER
Hum 100 ORGANIZATION
PART
Hum 101 DEFINITIONS
Hum 101.01 "Chair" means the chair of the New
Hampshire commission for human rights, designated by the governor under RSA
354-A:3.
Source. #6685,
eff 2-5-98; ss by #8813, eff 2-3-07
Hum 101.02 "Commission" means the New Hampshire
commission for human rights.
Source. #6685,
eff 2-5-98; ss by #8813, eff 2-3-07
Hum 101.03 "Commissioner" means a member of the
New Hampshire commission for human rights, appointed by the governor under RSA
354-A:3.
Source. #6685,
eff 2-5-98; ss by #8813, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 102 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMISSION
Hum 102.01 Description and Jurisdiction. The New Hampshire commission for human rights
is a state agency established by RSA 354-A for the purpose of eliminating
discrimination in employment, public accommodations and the sale or rental of
housing or commercial property because of age, sex, sexual orientation, race,
religious creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental
disability or national origin. The commission has the power to receive,
investigate and pass upon complaints of illegal discrimination and to engage in
research and education designed to promote good will
and prevent discrimination. RSA 354-A:5, V, VII and RSA 354-A:21, II(f) give
the commission the power to adopt rules suitable to carry out the purposes of
RSA 354-A.
Source. #6685,
eff 2-5-98; ss by #8813, eff 2-3-07
Hum 102.02 Organization of the Commission.
(a) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:3, I, the New Hampshire
commission for human rights consists of 7 commissioners with the powers and
authority described in RSA 354-A:5.
(b) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:5, III the commission
staff consists of the director, investigators and other employees and agents as
the commission deems necessary.
Source. #8813, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 103 SUBMISSIONS TO THE COMMISSION; REQUESTS FOR
INFORMATION FROM THE COMMISSION
Hum 103.01 How to Reach the Commission.
(a) The commission shall accept submissions and responds to requests for information which are made in
writing by mail, by facsimile, by telephone and by e-mail.
(b) The commission's office location and mailing
address is 2 Chenell Drive, Concord, New Hampshire 03301-8501.
(c) The commission may be reached by phone at
603-271-2767.
(d) Access for
TTY/TDD users shall be through Relay New Hampshire, for in-state users by
dialing 711 and for out-of-state users by dialing 1-800-735-2964.
(e) The
commission may be reached by facsimile at 603-271-6339.
(f) The
commission may be reached at humanrights@nhsa.state.nh.us.
Source. #6685,
eff 2-5-98; ss by #8813, eff 2-3-07
Hum
103.02 Access to Commission Records.
(a) Pursuant to RSA 91-A:4, any person may inspect
and copy all public and non-confidential records of the commission during
normal business hours at the commission offices.
(b) The commission shall make no copying charge
for 25 or fewer pages. The commission shall charge the commission's costs for
more than 25 pages.
Source. #8813,
eff 2-3-07
CHAPTER Hum 200 PROCEEDINGS PRIOR TO PUBLIC ADJUDICATIVE
HEARING
REVISION NOTE:
Document #8814, effective
2-3-07, adopted Hum 200 entitled “Proceedings Prior to Public Adjudicative
Hearing.” Document #8815-A, effective
2-3-07, adopted Parts Hum 301 through Hum 320 in Chapter Hum 300 entitled “Public
Adjudicative Hearings and Other Practices and Procedures.” Document #8815-B, effective 2-3-07, adopted
Part Hum 321 entitled “Explanation of Adopted Rules” in Chapter Hum 300.
Documents #8814 and #8815-A
made extensive changes to the wording, format, and numbering in the former Hum
200 entitled “Rules of Practice and Procedure”, which had expired 9-14-06 as an
interim rule under Document #8589. See
Revision Note for Hum 300. Hum 321 under
Document #8815-B had not been in effect before.
Documents #8814 and #8815-A therefore replace all prior filings
affecting the former Hum 200 Document #8814.
The rules in Hum 200 under document #8814 will expire on 2-3-15 unless
readopted, amended, or repealed before that. Hum 301 through Hum 320 in Document # 8815-A
will not expire except pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II.
The filings of the Human
Rights Commission affecting the former Hum 200 include the following documents:
#1995,
eff 4-5-82
#2196,
eff 11-30-82
#2906,
eff 11-15-84
#3157,
eff 12-12-85
#3158,
eff 12-12-85
#4224,
eff 2-10-87, EXPIRED 2-10-93
#6686,
eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED 2-5-06
#8589,
INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED 9-14-06
PART Hum 201 DEFINITIONS
Hum 201.01 Definitions. Terms in this chapter shall have the following
meanings:
(a)
“Appearance" means a written notification to the commission that
counsel for a party or other person intends to participate in pre-hearing
proceedings governed by this chapter;
(b) "Complaint" means a written
verified statement charging illegal discrimination under RSA 354-A;
(c) "Day" means a calendar day,
including the next working day if a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a
holiday;
(d) "Determination of probable cause"
means a determination made after investigation that there is sufficient
evidence upon which a fact finder could form a reasonable belief that the
respondent(s) committed one or more unlawful practices;
(e) Director" means the executive director
of the New Hampshire commission for human rights;
(f) "Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC)" means the federal agency which was created by 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-4
to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;
(g) "Filed" means received by the
commission at its offices;
(h) "Investigating commissioner" means
the commissioner designated by the chair of the commission to supervise the
commission's investigation of a complaint, make a
determination of probable cause or no probable cause, and, upon a determination of probable cause, conduct efforts at
conciliation;
(i) "Investigator" means a professional
staff member of the commission assigned by the director to investigate a
complaint;
(j) "Notice of right to sue" means a
notice issued by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission pursuant to 29
C.F.R. §1601.28(a)(1) or (2);
(k) "Parties" means the complainant and
one or more respondents;
(l) "Pre-determination conference"
means a meeting that is not a hearing, held for purposes of investigation or
negotiation or both;
(m) "Pro
hac vice representation" means representation at the commission in a
particular case only by an attorney not licensed to practice in New Hampshire;
(n) "Respondent" means one or more of
the following against which a complaint of discrimination has been filed:
(1) A natural person;
(2) A corporation;
(3) An unincorporated association;
(4) An organization;
(5) A partnership;
(6) A limited liability company;
(7) A professional corporation;
(8) A business; and
(9) A unit of state or local government; and
(o) "Verified" means signed, and sworn
or affirmed, before a notary public or justice of the peace.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART Hum 202 COMPLAINTS
Hum 202.01 Filing a Complaint.
(a) The following people and entities shall be
entitled to file a complaint:
(1)
Any person claiming to be
aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice;
(2) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, I(a), any member of
the commission;
(3) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, I(a), the attorney
general; and
(4) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, I(b), any employer
some or all of whose employees refuse, or threaten to
refuse, to cooperate with the provisions of RSA 354-A.
(b) A complaint shall be:
(1) In writing;
(2) Signed and dated by the complainant; and
(3) Verified.
(c) A complaint filed by a group of persons shall be signed, dated and verified by each person
in the group.
(d) A complaint filed by a parent or guardian on
behalf of a minor child shall be signed, dated and verified by the parent or
guardian on behalf of such child.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 202.02 Employment Discrimination Complaints.
(a) All complaints of employment discrimination
or employment discrimination combined with other types of discrimination,
including those filed pursuant to RSA 354-A only and those filed pursuant to
both RSA 354-A and federal law, shall be made:
(1) On an EEOC form charging discrimination,
provided by the commission and further described in (b) below; or
(2) In a letter including
the information called for by (b) below.
(b) On the EEOC charge form the complainant shall
provide the following:
(1) The complainant's name, including whether the
complainant uses the title "Mr., Ms. or Mrs.;
(2) The complainant's home telephone number;
(3) The complainant's full address;
(4) The complainant's date of birth;
(5) Using a pre-printed list of choices, the
designation of the respondent(s) as the complainant's:
a. Employer;
b. Labor organization;
c. Employment agency;
d. Apprenticeship committee; or
e. State or local government agency;
(6) The name of the respondent(s);
(7) The number of employees or members of the
respondent(s);
(8) The telephone number, including area code, of
the respondent(s);
(9) The full address, including county, of the
respondent(s);
(10) Using check boxes, designation of the alleged
discrimination as based on one or more of the following:
a. Race;
b. Color;
c. Sex;
d. Religion;
e. National origin;
f. Retaliation;
g. Age;
h. Disability; and
i. Other;
(11) The earliest and latest dates the
discrimination took place;
(12) Whether the discrimination continues;
(13) A written statement of the particulars;
(14) The date; and
(15) The verified signature of the complainant.
(c) If the commission receives a complaint which
appears to allege employment discrimination but does not include all of the information called for by (b) above, commission
staff will contact the complainant and assist the complainant in providing the
required information.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 202.03 Complaints of Discrimination Other than
Employment Discrimination.
(a) A complaint of discrimination not including
employment discrimination shall be made on a form provided by the commission or
in a letter containing the following:
(1) The complainant's:
a. Name;
b. Full mailing address;
c. Home telephone number; and
d. Work telephone number;
(2) If the complaint is
filed by the attorney general, the name of the attorney general;
(3) The name, full mailing
address and telephone number of each respondent;
(4) Whether the alleged
unlawful discriminatory practice was in housing, public accommodations or
commercial property;
(5) Each of the following
bases on which the practice complained of are alleged to have discriminated:
a. Race;
b. Marital status;
c. National origin;
d. Religion;
e. Color;
f. Age;
g. Mental disability;
h. Physical disability;
i. Sex;
j. Familial status;
k. Sexual orientation; and
l. Retaliation for making a complaint of unlawful
discrimination;
(6) The date of the alleged most recent act of
discrimination or of continuing discrimination;
(7) A statement of the alleged discriminatory
practice complained of;
(8) A statement of the facts alleged to constitute
the discriminatory practice;
(9) Whether the complainant has filed any other
action based on the same allegation;
(10) The date; and
(11) The verified signature of the complainant.
(b) If the commission receives a complaint which
appears to allege discrimination but does not include all of
the information called for by (a) above, commission staff will contact the
complainant and assist the complainant in providing the required information.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 202.04 Method and Time of Filing A Complaint.
(a) A complaint shall be filed by:
(1) Delivery of the original complaint by hand,
delivery service or delivery company;
(2) United States mail; or
(3) Facsimile transmission of a copy of the
original complaint together with other delivery of the original complaint.
(b) If filed by one of the methods described in
(a)(1) and (a)(2) above, the complaint shall be received by the commission at
its offices:
(1) Within 180 days after the date of occurrence
of the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice; or
(2) If the alleged discriminatory practice is of a
continuing nature, any date after the start of the alleged discriminatory
practice, but no later than 180 days from the date of the last incident of
discriminatory conduct.
(c) If filed by facsimile transmission:
(1) The faxed copy shall be received by the
commission at its offices by the date called for by (b) above; and
(2) The original complaint shall be received by
the commission at its offices no more than 14 days later.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 202.05 Amendment of Complaints and Responses.
(a) The complainant or commissioner filing a
complaint may amend the complaint at any time prior to the date scheduled for
the pre-hearing conference if the amendment is for any of the following
purposes:
(1) To cure technical defects or omissions,
including failure to verify;
(2) To clarify and amplify
allegations made in the original complaint; or
(3) To allege additional acts constituting
unlawful discriminatory practices which relate to the subject manner of the
original complaint.
(b) The date of filing of any amendment shall be
deemed, for the purpose of the time limit on the filing of complaints, to be
the same as the date of filing of the original complaint.
(c) The response to a complaint may be amended at
any time prior to the date scheduled for the pre-hearing conference.
(d) When a complaint has been amended, the
respondent shall have the opportunity to amend the response.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 203 CHOICE OF SUPERIOR COURT AS
FORUM
Hum 203.01 Removal of Case to Superior Court by the
Complainant.
(a) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21-a, I any person
alleging to be aggrieved by any practice made unlawful by RSA 354-A shall have
the option to remove his or her complaint by filing a civil action in superior
court within the limitations set forth in Hum 203.03 and in accordance with (b)
below.
(b) The civil action shall be brought:
(1)
Not later than 3 years after the alleged
unlawful practice; and
(2)
Within the following time limits:
a.
No earlier than 180 days following a
timely filing with the commission; or
b.
If the commission assents in writing,
earlier than 180 days following a timely filing with the commission.
(c) A complainant wishing to file a civil action
earlier than 180 days following a timely filing with the commission shall
request the assent of the commission by:
(1)
Filing a signed written motion stating:
a.
The request and the reasons for it; and
b.
Compliance with (2) and (3) below;
(2)
Forwarding a copy of the motion to all
other parties; and
(3)
Seeking concurrence from all other
parties.
(d) All other parties shall have the right to
object to the motion described in (c) above within 10 days of receipt of the
motion.
(e) The investigating commissioner shall make a decision on the motion described in
(c) above within 20 days of receipt of any objection to the motion or 30
days from the filing of the motion, whichever comes later.
(f) The investigating commissioner shall grant the
motion if:
(1)
The complainant seeks to remove in order to consolidate the complaint of discrimination with
other causes of action in court; or
(2)
The commission can not complete its investigation within 180
days.
(g) A complainant who has filed a civil action in
superior court:
(1)
Shall notify the commission of having
done so; and
(2)
Shall not file a subsequent complaint
with the commission based upon the same alleged unlawful practice.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 203.02 Removal of Case to Superior Court by the
Respondent After Determination of Probable Cause.
(a) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21-a, a respondent shall
have the option to remove a case to superior court for
trial within the limitations of Hum 203.03 and by following the procedures in
(b) below whenever the investigating commissioner has:
(1)
Made a determination
of probable cause;
(2)
Notified the parties to that effect; and
(3)
Issued an order scheduling a public
adjudicative hearing.
(b) The respondent shall:
(1)
File with the commission:
a.
Written notice of intent to remove the
case to superior court, including a statement that a copy of the notice has
been forwarded to the complainant or to the complainant’s attorney; and
b.
Proof of having filed the case in
superior court consisting of a copy of the filed writ or complaint stamped by
the superior court to show date of filing; and
(2) Forward to the complainant or to the complainant’s attorney a copy of the notice described in (1)a. above.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 203.03 Limitation on
Removal of Cases. Pursuant to RSA
354-A:21-a, I, a superior court trial shall not be
available:
(a) To any party if a public adjudicative hearing
before the commission has begun
or
has been concluded; or
(b) To a complainant whose complaint has been dismissed as
lacking in probable cause and who has not prevailed on an appeal to superior
court.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART Hum 204 REPRESENTATION BY ATTORNEY
Hum 204.01 Representing
Clients in Proceedings Pursuant to Hum 200.
(a) An attorney who is an active member in good
standing of the Bar of New Hampshire shall be eligible to represent a client in
proceedings pursuant to this chapter by:
(1)
Participating in all conferences and
meetings;
(2)
Signing documents on behalf of his or
her client, except as otherwise provided in these rules; and
(3)
Filing documents.
(b) An attorney who is not a
member of the Bar of New Hampshire shall be similarly eligible to represent a
client if:
(1)
Approved by the commission pursuant to
Hum 204.04 to represent his or her client pro hac vice; and
(2) Accompanied at all conferences and meetings by the New Hampshire attorney who has filed the appearance called for by Hum 204.02(a)(2)a. or Hum 204.02(b)(2).
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 204.02 Eligibility to Provide Pro Hac Vice
Representation. An attorney shall be
eligible to represent a client pro hac vice if the attorney is:
(a) Employed at a law firm which has a partner or
associate who:
(1)
Is an active member in good standing of
the New Hampshire Bar; and
(2)
Will:
a.
File an appearance; and
b.
Assist the attorney in representing his
or her client before the commission; or
(b) Temporarily affiliated with a New Hampshire
law firm and assisted in representing his or her client by a member of that
firm who:
(1)
Is an active member in good standing of
the New Hampshire Bar; and
(2)
Will file an appearance.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 204.03 Application to
Provide Pro Hac Vice Representation.
(a) An attorney who is not a member of the Bar of
New Hampshire and wishes to represent a client pro hac vice in
proceedings pursuant to this chapter shall:
(1)
Be eligible under Hum 204.02 to provide pro
hac vice representation; and
(2)
File a signed and verified motion
providing the following information:
a.
The applicant’s residence and business
address;
b.
The name, address and phone number of
each client sought to be represented;
c.
The state bar association(s) to which
the applicant has been admitted to practice and the respective period(s) of
admission;
d.
Whether the applicant has:
1.
Been denied admission pro hac vice in any New Hampshire court;
2.
Had admission pro hac vice revoked in New Hampshire court or agency; or
3. Otherwise been
formally disciplined or sanctioned by any New Hampshire court;
e.
If the applicant has been denied pro
hac vice admission, had pro hac vice admission revoked or
otherwise been formally disciplined or sanctioned by a New Hampshire court as
set forth in d. above:
1.
The nature of the allegations;
2. The name of the authority taking the action;
3.
The caption of the proceedings;
4.
The date the proceedings were filed; and
5.
The findings made and action taken in
connection with such proceedings;
f.
Whether, within the last 5 years, any
formal disciplinary proceedings have been brought against the applicant by any
disciplinary authority in a jurisdiction other than New Hampshire;
g.
If formal disciplinary proceedings have
been brought as set forth in f. above:
1.
The nature of the allegations;
2.
The name of the person or authority
bringing such proceedings;
3.
The date the proceedings were initiated
and finally concluded;
4.
The nature of the proceedings; and
5. The findings made and actions taken in
connection with the proceedings;
h.
Whether, during the last 5 years, the
applicant has been formally held in contempt or otherwise sanctioned in a
written order by any court for disobedience to its rules or orders;
i. If the applicant
has been held in contempt or sanctioned by a court as set forth in h. above:
1. The
nature of the allegations;
2.
The name of the court before which the
proceedings were conducted;
3.
The date of the contempt order or
sanction;
4. The case caption of the proceedings; and
5.
The substance of the court’s rulings;
j.
Whether, within the last 2 years, the
applicant has filed an application to appear pro hac vice in New Hampshire;
k.
If the applicant has, within the last 2
years, filed an application to appear pro
hac vice in New Hampshire:
1.
The name and address of each court or
agency in which such an application was filed;
2.
Full identification of each case in
which such an application was filed;
3.
The date of each such application; and
4.
The outcome of each such application;
l.
The name, address, telephone number and
bar number of an active member of the New Hampshire Bar in good standing who
will assist the applicant as described in Hum 204.02; and
m.
A statement that a copy of the motion
has been forwarded to the opposing party or his or her attorney of record.
(b)
An applicant who has been held in
contempt or sanctioned by a court as described in h. above shall attach to his
or her application a copy of the court's order or a transcript of the oral
rulings of the court.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum
204.04 Approval of Pro Hac Vice
Representation. The commission shall
approve motions for pro hac vice representation unless:
(a)
The applicant is ineligible pursuant to
Hum 204.02 to provide such representation; or
(b)
The applicant has appeared so frequently
or so periodically as to constitute the practice of law in New Hampshire.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART Hum 205 APPEARANCES
Hum 205.01 Notice of Appearance. An attorney representing a party in
proceedings pursuant to this chapter shall file a written notice of appearance.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 205.02 Withdrawal of Appearance. An attorney who ceases a representation for
which the attorney has filed a written notice of appearance shall immediately
file a written notice of withdrawal of appearance.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 205.03 Service Upon Attorney. When a party is represented by an attorney who has filed a written notice of appearance, service upon the attorney shall be deemed valid service upon the party, unless the attorney has timely filed a written notice of withdrawal of appearance.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART Hum 206 INVESTIGATORS
Hum 206.01 Investigating Commissioner.
(a) After the filing
of a complaint, the chair of the commission shall designate one of the
commissioners to act as the investigating commissioner for that complaint.
(b)
A commissioner who has filed a complaint
under Hum 202.01(a)(2) shall not be designated to act as the investigating
commissioner for that complaint.
(c)
The investigating commissioner shall
issue any subpoenas required for a full and fair investigation of a case which
is before him or her for investigation.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 206.02 Assignment of Investigator. The director shall assign a staff investigator
to investigate the complaint under the supervision of the director and the
investigating commissioner.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 206.03 Role of the Investigator.
(a) The
staff investigator shall:
(1)
Discover facts;
(2)
Make reports and recommendations to the
investigating commissioner; and
(3)
Assist the parties in settlement
negotiations.
(b) The investigator shall maintain a neutral
position with regard to the parties at all times.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART Hum 207 INVESTIGATIONS
Hum 207.01 Additional Information from the Complainant.
If the investigator considers the
information relevant to the investigation, the investigator shall request the
complainant to provide information including the following:
(a) A detailed written account of the events
alleged in the complaint;
(b) A list of potential
witnesses for the complainant together with:
(1) Their names, addresses, telephone numbers and
any other available identifying information about
them; and
(2) A brief description of the information each
witness is expected to provide; and
(c) Any other materials relevant
to the investigation of the complaint.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 207.02 Additional
Information from the Respondent.
(a) If the investigator
considers the information relevant to the investigation, the investigator shall
request the respondent to provide information including the following:
(1) A written verified response to the complaint
complying with (b) below;
(2) Records and documents, including but not
limited to:
a. Records relating to the
qualifications, performance and disciplinary history of the complainant;
b. The respondent's records
relating to the qualifications, performance and disciplinary history of other
individuals; and
c. The respondent's records
relating to the person alleged to have committed the discriminatory act(s),
including, but not limited to, personnel files, wage records, and the results
of any investigations of internal complaints involving that person;
(3) Descriptions and copies of business policies
and practices;
(4) A list of individuals who might be similarly
situated to the complainant showing, but not limited to, the following
information about them:
a. Full names;
b. Protected class status;
c. Compensation; and
d. Last known home
addresses and telephone numbers;
(5) A list of individuals who might be similarly
situated to the person accused by the complainant of discriminatory act(s),
showing, but not limited to, the following information about them:
a. Full names;
b. Protected class status;
c. Compensation; and
d. Last known home
addresses and telephone numbers;
(6) A list of potential witnesses for the
respondent, including:
a. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of
witnesses; and
b. A brief description of the information each
witness is expected to provide; and
(7) Any other information relevant to the
investigation of the complaint.
(b) A written verified
response to the complaint shall include:
(1) The name and address of the respondent;
(2) The name and address of the respondent's
attorney if the respondent is represented by counsel;
(3) For each allegation of the complaint contested
by the respondent, an answer in the form of:
a. A general or specific denial made on
information and belief; or
b. A statement that the respondent is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a
belief; and
(4) Any affirmative defenses that the respondent
wishes to raise.
(c) Any allegation in the
complaint which is not denied in the answer shall be deemed admitted, unless
the respondent states in the answer that the respondent is without knowledge or
information sufficient to form a belief about the allegation.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 207.03 Obligation to Provide Copies to Parties. The
parties or their attorneys shall provide the opposing parties or their
attorneys with copies of all materials submitted to the commission during the
investigation unless the materials are confidential pursuant to Hum 219.01(b).
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART Hum 208 PRE-DETERMINATION CONFERENCES
Hum 208.01 Scheduling a
Pre-Determination Conference.
(a) The director, in consultation with the
investigator, shall consider the factors stated in (b) below when deciding
whether a pre-determination conference shall be held.
(b) Factors to be considered
when deciding whether to schedule a pre-determination conference shall include,
but not be limited to:
(1) The following factors favoring the scheduling
of such a conference:
a. Bringing the parties together would likely
result in a negotiated settlement;
b. Bringing the parties together would enable the
investigator to obtain factual information in a manner more efficient than conducting individual, separate
interviews;
c. Bringing the parties
together would enable the investigator to resolve apparent contradictions in
allegations of fact; and
d. Viewing the parties in person would enhance
the assessment of credibility; and
(2) The following factors disfavoring
the scheduling of such a conference:
a. Settlement is not likely, or might be achieved
through alternate methods;
b. The primary issue is the legal interpretation
of the statute or rules;
c. There are few differences of fact in the
allegations of the parties, and information can be obtained through separate
interviews;
d. Holding the conference is likely to arouse
hostility;
e. Holding the conference is likely to cause
delay; and
f. Holding the conference will otherwise fail to
aid the investigation.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 208.02 Attendance at the
Pre-Determination Conferences.
(a) The complainant and
respondent and, if they are represented by counsel, their attorneys shall
attend the pre-determination conference.
(b) The investigator shall
request the attendance of such persons as the
investigator determines are likely to:
(1) Provide relevant information;
(2) Have authority to settle on behalf of the
respondent; or
(3) Otherwise assist in the investigation or
settlement of the matter.
(c) The investigator shall, while keeping the
number of additional conference participants as small as possible, identify
through consultation with the parties any additional participants necessary for
the investigatory or settlement purposes of the conference.
(d) The investigator shall
exclude from the conference room anyone not requested to attend unless the
complainant, respondent and investigator agree that the presence of particular additional individuals would benefit the
investigation or settlement negotiations.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 208.03 Procedures for the Investigation Portion of
the Pre-Determination Conference.
(a) All relevant information
shall be accepted without regard to rules of evidence.
(b) No oaths shall be administered.
(c) No taped or stenographic record shall be made
of the conference, but notes shall be kept by the investigator or an assistant
for inclusion in the investigation file.
(d) No determination on the merits of the case
shall be made at the conference.
(e) Each party shall have a
full opportunity during the information gathering part of the conference to
give information and reply to statements made by the other party.
(f) The investigator shall determine the order in
which participants are asked to speak and the length of time allotted so as to further the goals of fairness and efficiency in the
gathering of information.
(g) There shall be no
conversation between the parties or between their respective attorneys.
(h) All statements by the parties or their
attorneys, and all questions asked by the parties or their attorneys, shall be
addressed to the investigator.
(i)
All questions to be asked of the parties shall be asked by the investigator.
(j) Parties and attorneys shall have the
opportunity to suggest questions for the investigator to ask of the opposing
party, and the investigator shall ask them if they are relevant.
(k) Attorneys shall not answer factual questions or make
statements of fact on behalf of their clients.
(l) A party who wishes to add
to the statements or information provided at the conference may do so in
writing if:
(1) The party notifies the investigator of the
intention to provide a written statement; and
(2) The written statement is filed within 5 days
of the conference.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 208.04 Pre-Determination Settlement Procedures.
(a) After the investigation
portion of the conference, the investigator shall:
(1) Review the case separately with each party and
discuss possible modes of settlement; and
(2) Encourage settlement.
(b) The investigator shall relay all settlement
proposals to the opposing party for a reply.
(c) The investigator shall
offer suggestions for settlement if, in the judgment of the investigator, such
suggestions will encourage the parties to reach an agreement.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 208.05 Pre-Determination Agreements.
(a) If the parties agree on a
settlement at any time prior to a probable cause determination but the
complainant does not withdraw the complaint as part of the settlement, the
pre-determination agreement shall include the terms required by (b) below.
(b) The pre-determination agreement shall include
the following:
(1) The negotiated terms of the agreement,
including the dollar amounts of any payments to be made under it;
(2) A statement that:
a.
The agreement is a full and complete
settlement of the charges filed by the complainant;
b.
The commission is a party to the
agreement;
c.
The agreement may be used as evidence in
a subsequent proceeding in which any of the parties allege a breach of the
agreement; and
d.
The commission's participation does not
reflect a judgment by the commission on the merits of the case; and
(3) Such other provisions as the parties negotiate.
(c) If the director signs the pre-determination
agreement, the commission shall be a party to the agreement.
(d) The director shall not sign pre-determination
agreements containing provisions contrary to RSA 354-A or the commission's
rules.
(e) The case shall be closed when:
(1) The pre-determination agreement has been
signed by the parties and the director; and
(2) Any payments or attachments specified in the
agreement have been received by the party entitled to them.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 209 INVESTIGATION WHEN NO
PRE-DETERMINATION AGREEMENT WAS SOUGHT OR REACHED
Hum 209.01 Further
Investigation.
(a) In the event that a
pre-determination conference is not held or the parties fail to reach a
pre-determination settlement, the investigator shall conduct further
investigation as follows:
(1)
Interview all parties who are
individuals; and
(2)
Any of the following considered
necessary by the investigator:
a.
Interview a representative designated by
a respondent entity in accordance with (e) below;
b.
Request documents;
c.
Request written statements by parties
and witnesses;
d.
Perform on-site investigations; and
e.
Interview co-workers of the complainant
and other potential witnesses.
(b) An investigator unable to
comply with the obligation of (a)(1) above to interview a party who is an
individual shall request that the investigating commissioner issue a written
exemption from the obligation.
(c)
The investigating commissioner shall issue the
written exemption if:
(1)
The investigator cannot locate the party
individual;
(2)
The complainant fails to proceed with
the complaint;
(3)
The commission lacks jurisdiction over
the matter under investigation; or
(4)
The individual to be interviewed refuses
to cooperate in the scheduling of the interview.
(d) Interviews shall be conducted in person, by
telephone or by other means.
(e) A respondent that is an
entity may designate a representative to be present when managerial employees
of the respondent are interviewed regarding their role in the decision leading
to the complaint or the respondent's policies or practices, but non-managerial
employees of the respondent shall be interviewed without a representative of
the respondent entity present.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 209.02 Investigation Summation Letter.
(a) When the investigator has completed the
investigation, he or she shall send to the parties an investigation summation
letter containing the following information:
(1)
The fact that the investigation has been
completed;
(2)
A list of documents reviewed in the course of the investigation;
(3)
Identification of non-documentary
evidence, other than the statements of individuals, reviewed in
the course of the investigation; and
(4)
A statement of the deadline, set at
least 2 weeks into the future, for a response by the party receiving the
letter.
(b) A party receiving an
investigation summation letter described in (a) above shall have the
opportunity to respond to it by:
(1)
Submitting by the deadline established
in the letter a written response sent by United States mail, facsimile or
e-mail; and
(2)
Identifying in the written response one
or both of the following:
a.
Additional documents the party believes
are relevant to the matter under investigation; and
b.
The names of additional individuals the
party believes to have information relevant to the matter under investigation,
together with:
1. Their residential addresses and phone numbers;
and
2. A brief description of the information the
party believes each named individual can provide.
(c) Noncompliance with the deadline for response
set in the investigation summation letter, or the failure of a response to
comply with the requirements of (b)(2) above, shall result in denial of that
part of a motion for reconsideration of a determination of probable cause which
rests on the failure of the investigator to review the additional documents
identified in the response or the failure of the investigator to interview the
additional individuals named in the response.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 209.03 Investigative
Report and Recommendation. When the
deadline for response to the investigation summation letters has passed, or the
investigator has completed any investigation she or he determines is necessary on the basis of the information in responses to
investigation summation letters, the investigator shall submit to the
investigating commissioner:
(a) A written report summarizing the information
obtained in the investigation, excluding information on the content of any
settlement discussions; and
(b) On a separate sheet of paper, the
investigator's recommendation with respect to the determination of probable
cause.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART
Hum 210 PROBABLE CAUSE DETERMINATIONS BY
INVESTIGATING COMMISSIONER; CONSEQUENCES OF DETERMINATIONS
Hum 210.01 Probable Cause Determinations.
(a) On the basis of the
investigative report the investigating commissioner shall make
a determination of probable cause or no probable cause.
(b) In making the
determination of probable cause or no probable cause, the investigating
commissioner shall reserve for determination at the public adjudicative hearing
disputes involving material fact.
(c) If
the investigating commissioner determines that no probable cause exists, the
case shall be closed and the parties notified of the closure.
(d) If the investigating
commissioner determines that probable cause exists, the investigating
commissioner shall endeavor to eliminate the unlawful discriminatory practice
that is the subject of the complaint by conciliation as further described in
Hum 211.
(e) If
the investigating commissioner determines that probable cause exists and the
unlawful discriminatory practice is not eliminated by conciliation, the
investigating commissioner shall call for a public hearing.
(f) The investigating
commissioner shall issue any subpoenas required for a full and fair hearing.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 210.02 Temporary
Injunctive Relief. If the
investigating commissioner, after determining that probable cause exists,
further determines that the complainant is likely to suffer irreparable harm
before the commission's final disposition of the complaint, he or she shall
request the attorney general to seek temporary injunctive relief.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 210.03 Reconsideration of Determination of
Probable Cause or of No Probable Cause.
(a) Any party seeking a
reconsideration of a determination of probable cause or of no probable
cause shall:
(1)
File a motion within 30 days of the date
on the letter notifying the party of the
determination, including:
a.
A request for reconsideration;
b.
The grounds for the request;
c.
A statement of compliance with (2) and
(3) below; and
d.
Any memorandum the party wishes to
submit;
(2)
Forward the motion to all other parties;
and
(3)
Seek concurrence from all other parties.
(b) All other parties shall have the right to
object to the motion within 10 days of its receipt.
(c) The motion shall be submitted to the
investigating commissioner, unless it states as reason for the reconsideration
that the investigating commissioner or commission staff had a bias or conflict
of interest which:
(1) Might have prevented a fair and unbiased
decision; and
(2) Resulted in actual harm.
(d) In the absence of the special circumstances
described in (c) above, the investigating commissioner shall grant the motion
within 30 days if:
(1)
There exists new and material evidence
of which the proponent of the motion was unaware and which the proponent could
not with due diligence have uncovered; or
(2)
The determination was based on mistake of fact or law.
(e) Under the special circumstances described in (c) above:
(1)
The motion shall be submitted to the
commission chair; and
(2)
The commission chair shall:
a. Determine whether the alleged bias or
conflict of interest exits; and
b. If it exists, appoint a
new investigating commissioner to make a new determination of probable cause or
no probable cause.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 211 CONCILIATION
Hum 211.01 Conduct of Conciliation Negotiation. Conciliation negotiations shall be conducted
by the investigating commissioner or by commission staff under the supervision
of the investigating commissioner.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 211.02 Conciliation
Agreement.
(a) If the parties come to an agreement as a result of conciliation, a written conciliation
agreement shall be drafted and then signed by the director and the parties.
(b) The written conciliation agreement shall
include the following:
(1)
The negotiated terms of the agreement,
including the dollar amounts of any payments to be made under it;
(2)
A statement that:
a. The agreement is a full and complete
settlement of the charges filed by the complainant;
b. The commission is a party to the agreement;
c. The agreement may be used as evidence in a
subsequent proceeding in which any of the parties allege a breach of the
agreement; and
d. The commission's participation does not
reflect a judgment by the commission on the merits of the case; and
(3)
Such other provisions as the parties
negotiate.
(c) If the written conciliation agreement provides that
the terms of the agreement it documents shall be
confidential, neither the commissioners nor commission staff shall disclose the
terms of the agreement.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 211.03 Closing Case after
Conciliation. The case shall be
closed when:
(a) The conciliation agreement has been signed by
the parties and the director;
and
(b)
Any payments or attachments specified in
the agreement have been received by the party entitled to them.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART
Hum 212 ADMINISTRATIVE CASE CLOSURES
Hum 212.01 Administrative Case Closure. The commission shall close a case
administratively when:
(a) The complainant or the complainant's attorney
withdraws the complaint and the complaint is not
reinstituted pursuant to Hum 214.02;
(b) The director determines that a complaint is,
on its face, outside the jurisdiction of the commission;
(c) The investigating commissioner determines, on the basis of information obtained during investigation,
that the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of the commission;
(d) The investigating commissioner determines
that:
(1)
The respondent is bankrupt or insolvent;
(2)
There is no appropriate successor in
interest; and
(3)
Further proceedings would be futile;
(e) The complainant fails to proceed by:
(1)
Failing to appear, in person or by his
or her attorney, for 2 scheduled appointments without requesting a postponement
and rescheduling of the appointments by a written motion complying with Hum
220.02; or
(2)
Failing to answer, in person or through
his or her attorney, a certified letter warning of impending case closure;
(f) The investigator is unable, in
spite of repeated attempts, to locate the complainant:
(1)
By mail at the most recent address
provided by the complainant;
(2)
By telephone call made to the telephone
number most recently provided by the complainant; and
(3)
By contacting the complainant's attorney;
(g) The case has been filed in State court or the complainant has notified the commission in
writing of his or her intent to file a civil action in State court;
(h) The case has been removed to superior court by
one of the parties in accordance with Hum 203;
(i)
The complaint was dually filed, the complainant has requested that the investigation
and processing of the case be transferred to a federal agency and the federal
agency has agreed that the director may transfer it; or
(j) The complaint was dually filed
and the director has transferred the investigation and processing of the case
to a federal agency because of a conflict of interest or inadequate resources.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 212.02 Closure of
Cases Filed In Federal or State Court; Commission's Receipt of Notice of
Complainant's Request for Notice of Right to Sue.
(a) Whenever a complainant whose case is pending
before the commission files suit in federal or state
court on the basis of the same facts and legal theory
as are before the commission, the director shall close the case before the
commission pursuant to RSA 354-A:25.
(b) In employment discrimination cases which are
covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the commission shall close the case upon receiving notice
that the complainant has requested a notice of right to sue from the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART Hum 213 REOPENING CASES ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSED
Hum 213.01 Moving to Reopen.
(a) Any party wishing to
reopen a case administratively closed pursuant to Hum 212.01(b) through (h)
shall:
(1)
File a motion within 30 days of receipt
of the closure letter including:
a.
A request to reopen;
b.
The grounds for the request;
c.
A statement of compliance with (2) and
(3) below; and
d.
Any memorandum the party wishes to
submit;
(2)
Forward the motion to all other parties;
and
(3)
Seek concurrence from all other parties.
(b) All other parties shall have the right to
object to the motion within 10 days of its receipt.
(c) With respect to motions to reopen cases closed
pursuant to Hum 212.01(b), (c) or (d), the investigating commissioner shall
grant the motion if:
(1)
There exists new and material evidence
indicating that the case was improvidently closed; or
(2)
The case was closed because of mistake
of fact or law.
(d) With respect to motions to reopen cases closed pursuant to Hum 212.01(e) or (f), the investigating
commissioner shall grant the motion if:
(1)
There exists new and material evidence
indicating that the case was improvidently closed;
(2)
The case was closed because of mistake
of fact or law; or
(3)
The complainant failed to proceed or
could not be reached because of:
a.
Retaliation or the threat of retaliation
based on having filed the complaint;
b.
Harassment based on having filed the
complaint; or
c.
Any other improper pressure put on the
complainant because of the filing of the complaint.
(e) With respect to
motions to reopen cases closed pursuant to Hum
212.01(g) or (h), the investigating commissioner shall grant the motion if the
case has been dismissed by the court on non-substantive grounds not binding
upon the commission.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART Hum 214 WITHDRAWAL OF COMPLAINTS; REINSTITUTION OF WITHDRAWN COMPLAINTS
Hum 214.01 Withdrawal of Complaint.
(a) A
complaint may be withdrawn by the complainant or the complainant's attorney at
any time by completing the appropriate form chosen from the following:
(1)
The withdrawal form, further described
in Hum 215.01, for complaints brought pursuant to RSA 354-A only and on file
only with the commission;
(2) The withdrawal form, further described in Hum
215.02, for complaints brought pursuant to RSA 354-A and Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 and on file with both the commission and the U.S. Equal
Opportunity Commission;
(3)
The withdrawal form, further described
in Hum 215.03, for complaints brought pursuant to RSA 354-A and the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act and on file with both the commission and the
U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission;
(4)
The withdrawal form, further described
in Hum 215.04, for complaints brought pursuant to RSA 354-A and the Americans
with Disabilities Act and on file with both the commission and the U.S. Equal
Opportunity Commission; and
(5)
The withdrawal form, further described
in Hum 215.05, for complaints brought pursuant to RSA 354-A, Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and on
file with both the commission and the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission.
(b)
The forms completed in accordance with
(a) above shall be signed by the complainant or the complainant's attorney.
(c) Withdrawal of a complaint shall be with prejudice, except when the complaint is reinstituted in accordance with Hum 214.02.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum
214.02 Reinstitution of Withdrawn
Complaints.
(a)
A complainant wishing to reinstitute a
complaint shall:
(1)
File a written motion stating:
a.
The request to reinstate the complaint;
b.
The reasons for the request; and
b.
Compliance with (2) and (3) below;
(2) Forward a copy of the motion to all other
parties; and
(3)
Seek concurrence from all other parties.
(b)
All other parties shall have the right
to object to the motion within 10 days of its receipt.
(c)
The investigating commissioner shall
reinstitute a withdrawn complaint for good cause as set forth in (d) below.
(d)
Good cause for reinstituting a complaint
shall include:
(1)
Intimidation, harassment or coercion of the complainant;
(2)
Retaliation against the complainant;
(3)
Failure of the respondent to comply with the terms of an agreement requiring
the complainant to withdraw the complaint;
(4)
Indication(s) that the complainant did not knowingly and voluntarily withdraw
the complaint; or
(5)
Any other indication(s) that justice was
not served by the administrative closing of the case.
(e) Reinstitution of a complaint on file with a federal agency shall not affect the status of the complaint at the federal agency.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 215 COMPLAINT WITHDRAWAL FORMS
Hum
215.01 Withdrawal of Complaints
Pursuant to RSA 354-A Only.
(a)
A complainant withdrawing a complaint
made pursuant to RSA 354-A only shall complete a form calling for:
(1) Written statement of the reason(s) for the
withdrawal; and
(2)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney.
(b)
The effect of the signature on the form
shall be:
(1)
The complainant's acknowledgement that
he or she is aware that the commission protects the right to file a complaint;
(2)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by RSA 354-A to
retaliate against him or her for the filing of the complaint;
(3)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by the enabling
legislation of the commission to threaten, intimidate or harass him or her
because of the filing of the complaint;
(4)
The complainant's assertion that he or
she has not been forced to request the withdrawal; and
(5)
The complainant's statement that he or
she wishes to withdraw the complaint.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 215.02 Withdrawal of Employment Discrimination
Complaints Dually Filed with the Commission and the EEOC.
(a)
A complainant withdrawing a complaint
under RSA 354-A and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, dually filed
with the commission and the EEOC, shall complete a form calling for:
(1)
A written statement of the reason(s) for
the withdrawal; and
(2)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the commission; and
(3)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the EEOC.
(b)
The effect of the signatures on the form
shall be:
(1)
The complainant's acknowledgement that
he or she is aware that the commission and the EEOC protect the right to file a
complaint;
(2)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by RSA 354-A or
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to retaliate against him or her for
the filing of the complaint;
(3)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by the enabling
legislation of the commission to threaten, intimidate or harass him or her
because of the filing of the complaint;
(4)
The complainant's assertion that he or
she has not been forced to request the withdrawal; and
(5)
The complainant's statement that he or
she wishes to withdraw the complaint filed with the commission and the
complaint filed with the EEOC.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum
215.03 Withdrawal of Complaints of
Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Age Dually
Filed with the Commission and the EEOC.
(a)
A complainant withdrawing a complaint
under RSA 354-A and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, dually filed with
the commission and the EEOC, shall complete a form calling for:
(1)
A written statement of the reason(s) for
the withdrawal; and
(2)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the commission; and
(3)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the EEOC.
(b)
The effect of the signatures on the form
shall be:
(1)
The complainant's acknowledgement that
he or she is aware that the commission and the EEOC protect the right to file a
complaint;
(2)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by RSA 354-A or
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act to retaliate against him or her for
the filing of the complaint;
(3)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by the enabling
legislation of the commission to threaten, intimidate or harass him or her
because of the filing of the complaint;
(4)
The complainant's assertion that he or
she has not been forced to request the withdrawal; and
(5)
The complainant's statement that he or
she wishes to withdraw the complaint filed with the commission and the
complaint filed with the EEOC.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum
215.04 Withdrawal of Complaints of
Discrimination on the Basis of Disability Dually Filed
with the Commission and the EEOC.
(a)
A complainant withdrawing a complaint
under RSA 354-A and the Americans with Disabilities Act, dually filed with the
commission and the EEOC, shall complete a form calling for:
(1)
A written statement of the reason(s) for
the withdrawal; and
(2)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the commission; and
(3)
The date and the signature of the complainant
or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a preprinted
statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her complaint filed
with the EEOC.
(b)
The effect of the signatures on the form
shall be:
(1)
The complainant's acknowledgement that
he or she is aware that the commission and the EEOC protect the right to file a
complaint;
(2)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by RSA 354-A or
the Americans with Disabilities Act to retaliate against him or her for the
filing of the complaint;
(3)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by the enabling
legislation of the commission to threaten, intimidate or harass him or her
because of the filing of the complaint;
(4)
The complainant's assertion that he or
she has not been forced to request the withdrawal; and
(5)
The complainant's statement that he or
she wishes to withdraw the complaint filed with the commission and the
complaint filed with the EEOC.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum
215.05 Withdrawal of Complaints
Brought Pursuant to RSA 354-A, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Dually Filed with the Commission and
the EEOC.
(a)
A complainant withdrawing a complaint
under RSA 354-A, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, dually filed with the commission and the
EEOC, shall complete a form calling for:
(1)
A written statement of the reason(s) for
the withdrawal; and
(2)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the commission; and
(3)
The date and the signature of the
complainant or the complainant's attorney in a space provided beneath a
preprinted statement that the complainant wishes to withdraw his or her
complaint filed with the EEOC.
(b)
The effect of the signatures on the form
shall be:
(1)
The complainant's acknowledgement that
he or she is aware tat the commission and the EEOC
protect the right to file a complaint;
(2)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any
person covered by RSA 354-A, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act to retaliate against him or her for the
filing of the complaint;
(3)
The complainant's averment that he or
she has been advised that it is unlawful for any person covered by the enabling
legislation of the commission to threaten, intimidate or harass him or her
because of the filing of the complaint;
(4)
The complainant's assertion that he or
she has not been forced to request the withdrawal; and
(5)
The complainant's statement that he or
she wishes to withdraw the complaint filed with the commission and the
complaint filed with the EEOC.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 216 MOTIONS
Hum
216.01 Default Rule Governing Motions.
(a)
Unless governed by other more specific
rules in this chapter, requests for actions to be taken by the investigating commissioner shall be made by motions meeting the requirements of (b) below.
(b)
Motions shall:
(1)
Be in writing and signed by the
proponent or the attorney for the proponent;
(2)
State with specificity the grounds
thereof;
(3)
State the relief sought;
(4)
State compliance with (c) below on
seeking concurrence;
(5)
Be copied to
all other parties; and
(6)
State that a copy was sent to all other
parties.
(c)
The moving party shall make a good-faith
attempt to obtain concurrence from opposing parties in the relief sought,
except in the case of motions in which it can reasonably be assumed that the
proponent will be unable to obtain concurrence.
(d)
Supporting memoranda, documents and
copies of any cited court cases shall be filed with the motion, unless a
continuance for a later filing has been sought and granted by the investigating
commissioner.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum
216.02 Objections to Motions.
(a) An
objection to a motion filed pursuant to Hum 216.01 shall be filed within 10
days after the motion was filed.
(b)
Supporting memoranda, documents and
copies of any cited court cases shall be filed with the objection, unless a
continuance for a later filing has been sought and granted by the investigating
commissioner.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 216.03 Decisions on Motions. Motions shall be decided by the investigating
commissioner without an oral hearing, provided that an oral hearing shall take
place under the following circumstances:
(a)
When scheduled at the commission's own
initiative; or
(b)
Upon a party's request when the
investigating commissioner determines that an oral hearing will materially
assist him or her in ruling on the motion or is required to comply with law.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 217 DEPOSITIONS
Hum
217.01 Depositions by Agreement.
(a)
The parties may take depositions by
agreement, provided that:
(1)
Depositions are limited to 3 individuals
chosen by each party; or
(2)
Additional depositions are permitted by
the investigating commissioner pursuant to (b) below.
(b) Additional
depositions shall be:
(1)
Sought by motions subject to the motion
rules in Hum 216; and
(2)
Approved by the investigating
commissioner on the determination that they are necessary for a true and full
disclosure of the relevant facts.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum 217.02 Motions for Depositions.
(a)
In the absence of an agreement to take a
deposition, the party objecting to a deposition being
sought shall request relief from the investigating commissioner by filing a
motion subject to the motion rules in Hum 216.
(b)
The investigating commissioner shall
grant the motion for relief if he or she determines that the intended
deposition:
(1)
Would not lead to the discovery of
relevant and admissible evidence; or
(2)
Is intended to:
a.
Harass the objecting party;
b.
Retaliate against the objecting party;
or
c.
Unnecessarily delay
the proceedings.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
Hum
217.03 Payment of Cost of Depositions.
The party requesting a deposition, or
receiving the investigating commissioner's approval to take a deposition,
shall:
(a)
Pay the cost of the deposition; and
(b)
Provide a copy of the deposition
transcript to the opposing party(ies) and to the
commission.
Source. #6686, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 200) #8814, eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED:
2-3-15
PART
Hum 218 INTERROGATORIES
Hum
218.01 Interrogatories and Answers to
Interrogatories.
(a) A
party may serve no more than 20 interrogatories on any opposing party.
(b)
Interrogatories shall be mailed by
certified mail, return receipt requested.
(c)
Answers to interrogatories shall be:
(1)
Verified; and
(2)
Returned to the party serving the
interrogatories and to the investigator:
a.
Within 30 days of receipt of the
interrogatories; and
b. By certified mail, return receipt requested.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum
218.02 Objections to Interrogatories;
Failure to Respond to Interrogatories.
(a)
If a party served with interrogatories
wishes to object to any of them, the party shall:
(1)
File a statement of objection within 10
days of receipt of the interrogatories;
(2)
Include in the statement of objection
the reason(s) for the objection; and
(3)
At the time of filing with the
commission, furnish a copy of the statement of objection to the party serving
the interrogatories.
(b)
The investigating commissioner shall
require challenged interrogatories to be answered unless he or she determines
that:
(1)
The information sought can be more
conveniently provided in an alternative format or by different means;
(2)
The cost of producing the information
sought outweighs its likely usefulness or relevance in deciding the issue(s) in
the case;
(3)
The challenged interrogatories will not
lead to the discovery of admissible and relevant evidence;
(4)
The challenged interrogatories are
intended to harass the party served with them; or
(5)
The challenged interrogatories are
intended to cause unnecessary delay in the
proceedings.
(c)
The investigating commissioner's order
requiring the party to answer challenged interrogatories shall:
(1)
Establish a deadline for the answer(s)
no later than 2 weeks before the date the investigator anticipates the
investigation will be completed; and
(2) Include notice to the party served with the interrogatories that failure to answer them by the deadline might prevent such party from testifying to or otherwise presenting the information sought during any public adjudicative hearing which might take place, unless such party is called by an opposing party.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 219 ACCESS TO INVESTIGATIVE FILES
PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING; CONFIDENTIALITY
Hum 219.01 Access to Investigative Files by Parties.
(a) Prior
to the issuance of a notice of public hearing, parties and their attorneys
shall have access to all information and documents contained in the case investigative
file except those considered confidential pursuant to (b) below.
(b) The
following shall be considered confidential:
(1)
Names of witnesses, unless a witness has
consented in writing to the release of his or her name to both parties;
(2)
Statements of witnesses, unless a
witness has consented in writing to the release of his or her statement to both
parties;
(3)
Personnel files and personal wage
and salary information relating to persons other than
the complainant, unless the person who is the subject of the personnel files or
information has consented in writing to the release of such information to both
parties;
(4)
Information in the
nature of a trade secret;
(5)
Information or documents with regard to which a party has requested confidentiality
and said request has been approved by the director, applying RSA 91-A:5;
(6)
Pursuant to RSA 91-A:5:
a. Confidential, commercial and financial
information;
b.
Test questions, scoring keys and other
examination data used to administer a licensing examination, examination for
employment or academic examination;
c.
Personnel, medical, welfare, library
user and other files whose disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy;
and
c.
Other information protected as
confidential by RSA 91-A:5; and
(7)
Notes and internal memoranda written by
commission staff or commissioners.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 219.02 Requests by Parties for Photocopies.
(a) Upon
request, parties may obtain copies of materials in the investigative file which
are not confidential.
(b) The
commission shall not charge a fee for 25 or fewer pages.
(c)
The commission shall charge the
commission's costs for more than 25 pages.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 219.03 Information Available to State and Federal
Agencies.
(a) All
information and documents contained in an investigative file shall be made
available to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development if the complaint has been filed
with both the commission and the federal agency.
(b) Information
regarding a discrimination case shall be made available to other state or
federal agencies when such state or federal agencies have established a need to
know.
(c) A
need to know shall be any of the following:
(1)
Need for information for federal
investigations of alleged civil rights violations;
(2)
Need for information to determine
qualifications of government contractors; or
(3)
Information sought by subpoena or court
order.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 219.04 Information Disclosed to the Public.
(a) No information regarding complaints filed,
investigation of complaints, pre-determination settlement negotiations, or
conciliation negotiations shall be disclosed to the public by any commissioner
or staff member prior to issuance of a notice of public
hearing after a finding of probable cause.
(b) Pursuant
to RSA 354-A:21, II(a), the commission shall publish the facts in a case which
has been closed when it determines that to do so would serve to inform the
public of the commission's operations, jurisdiction and remedies.
(c) Case
information obtained from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
shall not be disclosed.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 220 SCHEDULING AND CONTINUANCES
Hum 220.01 Scheduling.
(a) After
a complaint is filed, commission staff shall establish deadline(s) for
submission by the parties of the statements and documents described in Hum
207.01 and Hum 207.02.
(b) The deadline(s) established pursuant to (a)
above shall be within 6 weeks of the date(s) of the request(s) for the
statements and documents.
(c) The
investigator shall schedule all interviews with parties and witnesses and the
submission of additional information and documents during the investigation.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum 220.02 Motions for Postponement and Rescheduling.
(a) The
parties may request by oral or written motion that a deadline for the
submission of documents or a scheduled date for an interview or a conference be
postponed and rescheduled for good cause as further described in Hum 220.03(b).
(b)
Parties requesting such postponement and
rescheduling by either oral or written motion shall make a good-faith attempt
to obtain concurrence in the motion from the opposing party.
(c) Written
motions for postponement and rescheduling shall:
(1)
Be filed not later than 15 days prior to
the originally scheduled deadline or date;
(2)
Describe with specificity the matter to
be postponed and the originally scheduled deadline or date;
(3)
State the rescheduled deadline or date
requested by the proponent;
(4)
State with specificity the reason for
the request for postponement and rescheduling;
(5)
State compliance with the requirement to
seek concurrence set forth in (b) above;
(6)
Be signed;
(7)
Be copied to all other parties;
(8)
State that a copy was sent to all other
parties; and
(9)
Be accompanied by memoranda, documents
and copies of cited court opinion, if they are necessary to support the motion,
unless a postponement has been granted for a later filing of such materials.
(d)
Objections to written motions for
postponement and rescheduling shall be filed within 10 days of the filing date
of the motion.
(e)
Oral motions for postponement and
rescheduling shall state with specificity:
(1)
The matter to
be postponed and the originally scheduled deadline or date;
(2)
The rescheduled deadline or date
requested by the proponent; and
(3) The reason for the request for postponement and rescheduling.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum
220.03 Decisions on Motions for
Postponements and Rescheduling.
(a) The investigator shall grant motions to
postpone and reschedule a deadline for the submission of documents or a
scheduled date for an interview or a conference for good cause as set forth in
(b) below.
(b)
Good cause for postponement and
rescheduling of a deadline for submission of documents, or a date for an
interview or a conference shall be:
(1)
Illness or injury which prevents a party
or witness from:
a.
Preparing documents;
b.
Preparing for an interview or a conference;
or
c.
Attending an interview or conference;
(2)
A scheduled hearing in another tribunal
which:
a.
Requires the attendance of the party or
the party's attorney and for which there is nobody who could reasonably
substitute for the party or the party's attorney;
b.
Can not be postponed; and
c.
Prevents:
1. The timely preparation of documents;
2. Preparation for an interview or conference; or
3. Attendance at an interview or conference;
(3)
Temporary unavailability of required
material, despite the due diligence of the party responsible for its
production;
(4)
Severely inclement weather; or
(5)
Such other reasons beyond the control of
a party or the commission that warrant a postponement and rescheduling to serve
justice and efficiency.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
PART
Hum 221 WAIVER OF RULES
Hum 221.01 Motions for Waiver of Rules.
(a) Any
person wishing a waiver of one or more rules in this
chapter shall request such a waiver by:
(1)
Submitting a written motion complying
with (b) below; or
(2)
If time is insufficient for the
submission of a written motion and of objections thereto, making an oral motion
stating:
a.
The rule to be waived;
b.
The purpose of the waiver request; and
c.
The likely impact on all parties of the
requested waiver.
(b) A
written motion for waiver of a rule shall:
(1)
Be filed not later than 15 days prior to
the anticipated application of the rule to be waived;
(2)
Be addressed to the investigating
commissioner or staff person who is responsible for applying the rule to be
waived;
(3)
Be provided to
all other parties together with a request for concurrence;
(4)
Recite the rule to be waived;
(5)
State the purpose of the waiver request;
(6)
State the likely impact on all parties
of the requested waiver;
(7)
State compliance with the requirement to
seek concurrence; and
(8)
If thought necessary by its proponent,
be accompanied by memoranda, documents and copies of cited court opinion.
(c) Objections to written motions for waiver of rules shall be filed within 10 days of the filing date of the motion.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
Hum
221.02 Decisions on Motions for
Waiver of Rules. The investigating
commissioner or staff person who is responsible for applying the rule to be
waived shall waive the rule if the waiver:
(a) Appears
to be lawful; and
(b) Is more likely to promote the fair and accurate management of the matter than would adherence to the particular requirement or limitation set by the rule.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 200) #8814,
eff 2-3-07, EXPIRED: 2-3-15
CHAPTER
Hum 300 PUBLIC ADJUDICATIVE HEARINGS AND
OTHER PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
REVISION NOTE:
The former Hum 300 entitled
“Discrimination in Housing” expired 9-14-06 as an interim rule under Document
#8589. The filings of the Human Rights
Commission affecting the former Hum 300 include the following documents:
#2196,
eff 11-30-82
#2906,
eff 11-15-84, EXPIRED 11-15-90
#6687,
eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED 2-5-06
#8589,
INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED 9-14-06
Document #8815-A, effective 2-3-07, adopted Parts Hum 301 through
Hum 320 in Chapter Hum 300 entitled “Public Adjudicative Hearings and Other
Practices and Procedures.” Document
#8815-A, together with Document #8814 which adopted Hum 200 entitled
“Proceedings Prior to Public Adjudicative Hearing”, made extensive changes to
the wording, format, and numbering in the former Hum 200 entitled “Rules of
Practice and Procedure”. The former Hum
200 had expired 9-14-06 as an interim rule under Document #8589. See Revision Note for Hum 200. Hum 301 through Hum 320 in Document # 8815-A
will not expire except pursuant to RSA 541-A:17, II.
Document #8815-B, effective 2-3-07, adopted Part Hum 321 entitled
“Explanation of Adopted Rules” in Chapter Hum 300. Hum 321 under Document #8815-B had not been in
effect before. The rules in Hum 321 will
expire on 2-3-15 unless readopted, amended, or repealed before that.
PART
Hum 301 DEFINITIONS
Hum 301.01 Definitions.
(a)
“Appearance" means a written
notification to the commission that counsel for a party, intervenor or witness
intends to actively participate in a public adjudicative hearing.
(b) "Complaint" means a written verified
statement charging illegal discrimination under RSA 354-A.
(c)
"Day" means calendar day and
includes the next working day if a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a
holiday.
(d)
“Declaratory ruling" means,
pursuant to RSA 541-A:1, V, a ruling by the commission as to the specific
applicability of any statutory provision or of any rule or order of the
commission.
(e)
"Determination of probable
cause" means a determination made after investigation that there is
sufficient evidence upon which a fact finder could form a reasonable belief
that the respondent(s) committed one or more unlawful practices.
(f)
"Director" means the executive
director of the New Hampshire commission for human rights.
(g) "Filed"
means received by the commission at its offices.
(h)
"Hearing commissioners" means
the 3 commissioners designated by the chair of the commission to sit as a panel
at a public adjudicative hearing.
(i) "Motion" means a request to the presiding
officer for an order or ruling directing some act to be done in favor of the
proponent of the motion, including a statement of justification or reasons for
the request.
(j)
"Order" means, pursuant to RSA
541-A:1, XI, the whole or part of the commission's final disposition of a
matter other than a rule, but not including the commission's decision to
initiate, postpone, investigate or process any matter or to issue a complaint
or citation.
(k)
"Parties" means the
complainant and one or more respondents.
(l)
"Presiding officer" means the
individual whom the chair of the commission has designated as
the chair of the panel of 3 hearing commissioners.
(m)
"Pro hac vice
representation" means representation at the commission in a particular
case only by an attorney not licensed to practice in New Hampshire.
(n)
"Proof by a preponderance of the
evidence" means a demonstration by admissible evidence that a fact or
legal conclusion is more probably true than not.
(o)
“Public comment hearing” means a
proceeding held pursuant to RSA 541-A:11.
(p)
"Respondent" means one or more
of the following against which a complaint of discrimination has been filed:
(1)
A natural person;
(2)
A corporation;
(3)
An unincorporated association;
(4)
An organization;
(5)
A partnership;
(6)
A limited liability company;
(7)
A professional corporation;
(8)
A business; and
(9)
A unit of state or local government.
(q)
"Record" means the materials
set forth in RSA 541-A:31, VI.
(r)
“Rulemaking petition” means a petition
made pursuant to RSA 541-A:4, I.
(s)
"Verified" means signed, and
sworn or affirmed, before a notary public or justice of the peace.
Source. #6687, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 302 SCOPE
Hum
302.01 Scope. The rules of this chapter shall apply to
public adjudicative hearings scheduled after a determination of probable cause
which:
(1)
Has not been altered upon
reconsideration pursuant to Hum 210.03; and
(2)
Has not been resolved through
conciliation pursuant to Hum 211.
Source. #6687, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 303 REPRESENTATION BY ATTORNEY; APPEARANCES
Hum 303.01 Attorney Representation of Clients in
Public Adjudicative Hearings.
(a)
An attorney who is an active member in
good standing of the Bar of New Hampshire may represent a client at a public
adjudicative hearing by:
(1)
Participating in the hearing and
pre-hearing conference(s);
(2)
Signing documents on behalf of his or
her client, except as otherwise provided in these rules; and
(3)
Filing documents.
(b) An
attorney who is not a member of the Bar of New Hampshire shall be similarly
eligible to represent a client if:
(1) Approved by the commission pursuant to Hum
204.04 to represent his or her client pro hac vice; and
(2) Accompanied at all hearings, conferences and
meetings by the New Hampshire attorney who has filed the appearance called for
by Hum 204.02(a)(2)a. or Hum 204.02(b)(2), as applicable.
Source. #6687, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
303.02 Appearances Required; Service
Upon Attorneys.
(a)
An attorney representing a party or
other person before the commission at a public adjudicative hearing shall file
a written notice of appearance.
(b)
An attorney who ceases a representation
for which the attorney has filed a written notice of appearance shall
immediately file a written notice of withdrawal of appearance.
(c) When
a party or other person or entity is represented by an attorney who has filed a
written notice of appearance, service upon the attorney shall be deemed valid
service upon the person or entity represented, unless the attorney has timely
filed a written notice of withdrawal of appearance.
Source. #6687, eff 2-5-98, EXPIRED: 2-5-06
New. #8589, INTERIM, eff 3-18-06, EXPIRED: 9-14-06
New. (See Revision Note at chapter
heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 303.03 Pro Hac Vice Representation. Pro hac vice representation shall be in accordance with the provisions regarding such representation set forth in Hum 204.02, Hum 204.03 and Hum 204.04.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 304 ROLES OF THE COMMISSION CHAIR AND THE PRESIDING OFFICER; COMPUTATION OF
TIME PERIODS; ACCESS TO THE COMMISSION'S FILE
Hum
304.01 Role of the Chair of the
Commission. The chair of the
commission shall:
(a)
Schedule the public adjudicative
hearing;
(b)
Designate the hearing commissioners;
(c)
Designate himself or herself or one of
the hearing commissioners to act as presiding officer; and
(d) Designate a commissioner to act as presiding officer if the person first designated withdraws pursuant to Hum 304.02 (c).
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
304.02 Roles of the Director and
the Presiding Officer.
(a)
By decision of the commission pursuant
to RSA 354-A:5, III the director shall:
(1) Schedule the pre-hearing conference(s) and
preside over them, with the exception of ruling on
motions and objections;
(2) Accept the filing of motions and objections at
the pre-hearing conference(s);
(3) Preside over the conciliation conference(s);
and
(4) Establish deadlines for the filing of final
witness lists, final lists of exhibits, and copies of exhibits.
(b)
The presiding officer shall:
(1) Rule upon all motions and objections made
before or during the public adjudicative hearing;
(2) Admit and exclude testimony or other evidence
at the public adjudicative hearing; and
(3) Otherwise control the public adjudicative
proceedings.
(c)
The presiding officer shall withdraw if
he or she:
(1) Has a direct interest in the outcome of the
hearing, including but not limited to, a financial or family relationship with
any party, witness, attorney for a party or witness or intervenor;
(2) Has made statements or engaged in behavior
which objectively demonstrates that he or she has prejudged the facts of the
case; or
(3) Personally believes that he or she cannot
fairly judge the facts of the case.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 304.03 Computation of Time Periods.
(a)
Unless otherwise specified, the unit of
time for time periods referenced in this chapter shall be calendar days.
(b)
Computation of any period
of time shall begin with the day after the action or event which sets
the time period in motion, and
shall include the last day of the period.
(c) If the last day of the period so computed falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, then the time period shall be extended to include the first business day following the Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
304.04 Access to File After Issuance
of Notice of Public Adjudicative Hearing. After a notice of a public adjudicative
hearing has been issued:
(a) The
parties and intervenors shall have access to all information and documents in
the case file, with the exception of investigation
notes and internal memoranda of the commissioners and staff; and
(b) The
parties, other participants in the hearing and the public shall have access to
the investigative report.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 305 CONTINUANCES
Hum
305.01 Motions for Continuance and
Rescheduling of Deadline or Date.
(a) The
parties and other participants in the proceedings may request by motion that a
pre-hearing conference, hearing date or other matter be continued and
rescheduled for good cause as further described in Hum 305.03.
(b)
Proponents of motions for continuance
and rescheduling shall make a good-faith attempt to obtain concurrence in the
motion from all parties.
(c) Unless
they meet the requirements of (d) below, motions for continuance and
rescheduling shall be:
(1)
Written, signed and filed not later than
15 days before the originally scheduled deadline or date;
(2)
Delivered timely to all parties; and
(3)
State that timely delivery has been made
to all parties.
(d) Oral
motions for continuance and rescheduling shall be made when:
(1)
Fewer than 15 days remain before the
deadline or date sought to be rescheduled; and
(2)
The proponent was unable, for reasons
beyond the proponent's control, to make the timely written motion required by
(c) above.
(e) All
motions for continuance and rescheduling shall state with specificity:
(1)
The matter to
be postponed and the originally scheduled deadline or date;
(2)
The rescheduled deadline or date
requested by the proponent;
(3)
The reason for the request for
continuance and rescheduling; and
(4)
That a good-faith effort has been made
to obtain concurrence to the continuance and rescheduling.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
305.02
Objections to Motions for Continuance and Rescheduling. Objections to motions for continuance and
rescheduling shall be:
(a)
Filed within 10 days of the filing date
of the motions objected to, if the motions are in writing; and
(b)
Made at once, if the motions are made
orally.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
305.03 Decisions on Motions for
Continuance and Rescheduling.
(a)
Motions for continuance and rescheduling
shall be granted for good cause, including:
(1)
Illness or injury which prevents a party
or other participant in the proceedings from timely:
a.
Preparing and making required filings;
b.
Preparing for a pre-hearing conference
or hearing; or
c.
Participating in a pre-hearing
conference or hearing.
(2)
A scheduled hearing in another tribunal
which:
a.
Requires the attendance of the proponent
of the motion or of the attorney for the motion's proponent, for which there is
nobody who could reasonably substitute for the proponent or the proponent's
attorney;
b.
Can not be postponed; and
c.
Prevents timely:
1. Preparation
and filing of required documents;
2. Preparation for a pre-hearing conference or
hearing; or
3. Participation in a pre-hearing conference or
hearing;
(3)
Temporary unavailability of material
required to be filed, despite the due diligence of the party responsible for
the filing;
(4)
Severely inclement weather; or
(5)
Such other reasons beyond the control of
the proponent of the motion or the commission that warrant a continuance and
rescheduling of the original deadline or date in the interest of justice and
efficiency.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 306 COMMENCEMENT OF PUBLIC ADJUDICATIVE HEARING; PRE-HEARING REQUIREMENTS
Hum 306.01 Commencement of the Proceedings by Notice
of Public Adjudicative Hearing.
(a) A
written notice of public adjudicative hearing issued to all parties at least 14
days before the scheduled date of the hearing shall commence the
proceedings.
(b)
Pursuant to RSA 541-A:31, III, the
notice shall include:
(1)
A statement of the time, place and
nature of the hearing;
(2)
A statement of
the legal authority under which the hearing is to be held;
(3)
A reference to the particular
sections of the statute and rules involved; and
(4)
A short and plain statement of the
issues involved.
(c) If a
more detailed statement of the issues is available, the commission shall
furnish it upon request.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
306.02 Pre-Hearing Conference.
(a) Parties
or their counsel shall attend at least one pre-hearing conference.
(b) Matters
to be considered at the pre-hearing conference shall include, as appropriate:
(1)
Offers of settlement;
(2)
Simplification of the issues;
(3)
Stipulations or admissions as to issues
of fact or proof;
(4)
Limitations on the number of witnesses;
(5)
Marking of all written exhibits to be
presented during the hearing;
(6)
Scheduling; and
(7)
Any other matters which might increase
the efficiency of the proceedings.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
306.03 Respondent's Answer to the
Complaint Required Before Hearing.
(a)
Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21, II(c) the
respondent(s) shall submit a verified answer:
(1)
Filed in the original with 3 copies not
later than 15 days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing; and
(2)
Furnished to the complainant or the
complainant's attorney by a method that confirms receipt not later than 15 days
prior to the scheduled date of the hearing.
(b)
The verified answer shall:
(1)
Be a previously submitted verified
response as described in Hum 207.02(b); or
(2)
Contain the following information:
a.
The name and address of the respondent;
b.
The name and address of the respondent's
attorney if the respondent is represented by counsel;
c.
For each allegation of the complaint
contested by the respondent:
1. A general or specific denial made on
information and belief; or
2. A denial of any knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief; and
d.
Any affirmative defenses that the
respondent wishes to make.
(c)
Any allegation in the complaint which is
not denied in the answer shall be deemed admitted, unless the respondent states
in the answer that the respondent is without knowledge or information
sufficient to form a belief.
(d)
Failure of the respondent(s) to file an
answer within the time stated in (a) above shall not prevent the commission
from:
(1)
Holding the hearing at the time and
place specified in the notice of hearing; and
(2)
Making its findings and entering its
order based upon the testimony taken at the hearing.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
306.04 Complainant's Materials
Required Before Hearing.
(a)
The complainant shall submit a detailed
request for relief which shall be:
(1)
Filed in the original with 3 copies not
later than 15 days on or before the day of the pre-hearing conference;
(2)
Furnished to the respondent(s) or the
attorney(s) for the respondent(s) by a method that confirms receipt not later
than the day of the pre-hearing conference; and
(3)
Includes, as applicable, the following
information:
a.
For requests for back pay:
1. A statement of the wage or salary that would
have been earned but for the alleged discrimination;
2. The time period that
complainant would have earned this wage or salary but for the alleged
discrimination; and
3. A statement detailing all earnings and other
income actually received by the complainant during the
period covered by the request for back pay; and
b.
For requests for compensatory damages:
1. A statement of the amount
of damages requested;
2. Any medical or psychological evidence
supporting the request;
3. A description of
the complainant's pain, suffering, humiliation and/or embarrassment caused by
the alleged discriminatory act; and
4. Other factors the complainant wishes the
commission to consider.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
306.05 Witness Lists, Lists of
Exhibits and Exhibits.
(a)
At the pre-hearing conference the
parties shall file with the director, giving copies to all other parties:
(1)
Preliminary lists of witnesses showing
names, addresses and telephone numbers;
(2)
Preliminary lists of exhibits; and
(3)
Copies of exhibits on the preliminary exhibit lists.
(b)
By the deadlines established by the
director pursuant to Hum 304.02(a), the parties shall file with the commission
and deliver to all other parties:
(1)
Final lists of witnesses showing names,
addresses and telephone numbers;
(2)
Final lists of exhibits; and
(3)
Copies of exhibits on the final exhibit
lists if not already filed with the commission and delivered to all other
parties.
(c)
The filings and deliveries required by
(b) above shall be made by personal delivery or certified mail.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 307 SUBPOENAS
Hum 307.01 Subpoenas for Public Adjudicative Hearing.
Any party or other person permitted to
participate in a public adjudicative hearing may request subpoenas for the
hearing by written motion no later than the date of the pre-hearing conference.
Subpoenas shall be issued by the presiding officer upon a finding that the subpoena
is designed to produce relevant information.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 307.02 Payment of Fees Related to Subpoenas.
(a)
When a subpoena is issued upon the
motion of a party or person other than a commissioner, the cost of service,
witness and mileage fees shall be borne by the party or person at whose request
the subpoena is issued.
(b)
When a subpoena is issued upon the
initiative of the commission or a commissioner, the cost of such service and
witness and mileage fees shall be borne by the commission. Such witness and
mileage fees shall be the same as those paid witnesses in the district courts
of the state.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 307.03 Vacation or Modification of Subpoena.
(a)
Any recipient of a subpoena may petition
the commission to vacate or modify a subpoena issued in its name.
(b)
The commission shall give prompt notice
to the party, if any, who requested issuance of the subpoena, and such party
shall have the opportunity to respond within a time limit set by the presiding
officer.
(c)
The presiding officer shall grant the
petition in whole or part upon a finding that:
(1)
The testimony sought, or the evidence
required to be produced, does not relate to any matter in question in the
hearing;
(2)
The subpoena for the
production of evidence is unreasonable and oppressive; or
(3)
The subpoena was issued so close in time
before the hearing for which the testimony or evidence is sought that the
recipient is unable to comply with it.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 307.04
Failure to Comply. Upon
the failure of any person or entity to comply with a subpoena issued in the
name of the commission and not revoked or modified by the commission as
provided in Hum 307.03, an attorney representing the commission shall seek
enforcement of the subpoena in superior court.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 308 DEPOSITIONS
Hum 308.01 Depositions by Agreement.
(a) The parties may take depositions by agreement,
provided that:
(1) Depositions are limited to 3 individuals
chosen by each party; or
(2) Additional depositions are permitted by the
presiding officer pursuant to (b) below.
(b) Additional depositions
shall be:
(1) Sought by motions subject to the motion rules
in Hum 310; and
(2) Approved by the presiding officer on the
determination that they are necessary for a true and full disclosure of the
relevant facts.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 308.02 Motions for
Depositions.
(a) In the absence of an agreement to take a
deposition, a party objecting to a deposition being sought shall request relief
from the presiding officer by filing a motion subject to the motion rules in
Hum 310.
(b) The presiding officer shall grant the motion
for relief if he or she determines that the intended deposition:
(1) Would not lead to the discovery of relevant
and admissible evidence; or
(2) Is intended to:
a.
Harass the objecting party;
b.
Retaliate against the objecting party;
or
c.
Unnecessarily delay
the proceedings.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 308.03 Payment of Cost of Depositions. The party requesting a deposition, or
receiving the presiding officer's approval to take a deposition, shall:
(a) Pay the cost of the deposition; and
(b) Provide a copy of the deposition transcript to
the opposing party(ies) and to the commission.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 309 INTERROGATORIES
Hum 309.01 Interrogatories and Answers to Interrogatories.
(a) A party may serve no more
than 20 interrogatories on any opposing party after a finding
of probable cause.
(b) Interrogatories shall be mailed by certified
mail, return receipt requested.
(c) Answers to interrogatories shall be:
(1) Verified; and
(2) Returned to the party serving the
interrogatories and to the office of the commission:
a. Within 30 days of receipt of the
interrogatories; and
b. By certified mail, return receipt requested.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 309.02 Objections to Interrogatories; Failure to
Respond to Interrogatories.
(a) If a party served with interrogatories wishes
to object to any of them, the party shall:
(1) Submit a statement of objection to the
presiding officer and to the party serving the interrogatories within 10 days
of receipt of the interrogatories; and
(2) Include in the statement of objection the
reason(s) therefor.
(b) The presiding officer shall require challenged
interrogatories to be answered unless he or she determines that:
(1) The information sought can be more
conveniently provided in an alternative format or by different means;
(2) The cost of producing the information sought
outweighs its likely usefulness or relevance in deciding the issue(s) in the
case;
(3) The challenged interrogatories will not lead
to the discovery of admissible and relevant evidence;
(4) The challenged interrogatories are intended to
harass the party served with them; or
(5) The challenged interrogatories are intended to
cause unnecessary delay in the proceedings.
(c) An order requiring the party to answer
challenged interrogatories shall:
(1) Establish a deadline for the answer(s) which:
a. Allows enough time for the party served with
the interrogatories to comply with the order; and
b. Ensures that the party serving the
interrogatories receives the answers to them in enough time to prepare for the
hearing; and
(2) Include notice to the party served with the
interrogatories that failure to answer them on time shall prevent such party
from testifying to or otherwise presenting the information sought during the
hearing, unless such party is called by an opposing party.
(d) If the party ordered to answer
interrogatories has not done so by the deadline set by the presiding officer,
this fact shall be noted in the record and the sanction described in (c)(2)
above shall be imposed.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 310 MOTIONS
Hum 310.01 Default
Rule Governing Motions.
(a) Unless
governed by other more specific rules in this chapter, requests for actions to
be taken by the hearing commissioners or the presiding officer shall be made:
(1) Orally and on the record if the requests are
made during the course of a public adjudicative
hearing; or
(2) By written motions meeting the requirements of
(b) below.
(b) Motions shall:
(1) Be in writing and signed by the proponent or
the attorney for the proponent;
(2) State with specificity the grounds thereof;
(3) State the relief sought;
(4) State compliance with (c) below on seeking
concurrence;
(5) Be copied to all other parties;
(6) State that a copy was sent to all other
parties; and
(7) Be filed not later than 15 days before to the
public adjudicative hearing.
(c) The moving party shall
make a good-faith attempt to obtain concurrence from opposing parties in the
relief sought, except in the case of dispositive motions or other motions in
which it can reasonably be assumed that the proponent will be unable to obtain
concurrence.
(d) Supporting
memoranda, documents and copies of any cited court cases shall be filed with
the motion, unless a continuance for a later filing
has been sought pursuant to Hum 305 and granted by the presiding officer.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 310.02 Objections to Motions.
(a) An objection to a motion
filed pursuant to Hum 310.01 shall be filed within 10 days after the motion was filed.
(b) Supporting memoranda,
documents and copies of any cited court cases shall be filed with the
objection, unless a continuance for a later filing has been sought pursuant to
Hum 305 and granted by the presiding officer.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 310.03 Decisions on
Motions. Motions shall be decided by
the presiding officer without an oral hearing, provided that an oral hearing
shall take place under the following circumstances:
(a) When scheduled at the commission's own
initiative; or
(b) Upon a party's request when the presiding
officer determines that an oral hearing will materially assist him or her in
ruling on the motion or is required to comply with law.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 311 INTERVENTION
Hum 311.01 Motions for Intervention.
(a) Any person or entity,
other than a party, having a direct interest in the outcome of the public adjudicative
hearing and wishing to intervene in the hearing shall make a written motion
before the beginning of the hearing.
(b) The motion to intervene
shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
A statement of the limited purpose or
purposes for which the person or entity wishes to appear; and
(2)
Pertinent facts substantiated by a
notarized affidavit to support the reasons for intervention.
(c) The motion to intervene
shall be directed to the presiding officer.
(d) The motion to intervene
shall be mailed to all parties named in the notice of the public adjudicative
hearing.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 311.02 Objections to
Motions for Intervention.
(a) Any parties
wishing to object to a motion to intervene shall file objections as soon as
practicable.
(b) If the motion to intervene is filed at least 3
days before the hearing, a party opposing it shall have the burden of
persuading the presiding officer that the intervention should not be granted.
(c) If the motion to intervene is filed less than
3 days before the hearing and the motion is opposed, the proponent of the
motion to intervene shall have the burden of persuading the presiding officer
that the intervention should be granted.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 311.03 Decision on Motions for Intervention.
(a) The presiding officer shall rule on motions
for intervention in advance of the hearing.
(b) The presiding officer
shall grant a motion to intervene if he or she determines that:
(1)
The interests of justice will be
advanced; and
(2)
The orderly and prompt conduct of the
hearing will not be impaired by allowing the intervention.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 312 JOINDER AND SEVERANCE
Hum 312.01 Joinder. Whenever it shall appear that 2 or more
complaints involve substantially similar or substantially related issues, the
hearing commissioners shall join those proceedings for hearing, for decision or
both.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 312.02 Severance.
Whenever it shall appear that prejudice to a party or parties or undue delay
might be thereby avoided, the hearing commissioners shall sever
one or more issues or parties, and dispose of those
issues and include those parties in another proceeding.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 313 WAIVER OF RULES
Hum 313.01 Motions for
Waiver of Rules.
(a) Any party or other
participant in a public adjudicative hearing wishing a waiver of one or more
rules in this chapter shall request such a waiver by:
(1)
Submitting a written motion complying
with (b) below; or
(2)
If time is insufficient for the
submission of a written motion and of objections thereto, making an oral motion
stating:
a.
The rule to be waived;
b.
The purpose of the waiver request; and
b.
The likely impact on all parties of the
requested waiver.
(b) A written motion for
waiver of a rule shall:
(1)
Be filed not later than 15 days prior to
the anticipated application of the rule to be waived;
(2)
Be addressed to the investigating
commissioner or staff person who is responsible for applying the rule to be
waived;
(3)
Be provided to
all other parties together with a request for concurrence;
(4)
Recite the rule to be waived;
(5)
State the purpose of the waiver request;
(6)
State the likely impact on all parties
of the requested waiver;
(7)
State compliance with the requirement to
seek concurrence; and
(8)
If thought by its proponent, be
accompanied by memoranda, documents and copies of cited court opinion.
(c) Objections to written motions for waiver of
rules shall be filed within 10 days of the filing date of the motion.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum
300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 313.02 Decisions on Motions for Waiver of Rules.
The presiding officer shall waive the rule
if the waiver:
(a) Appears to be lawful; and
(b) Is more likely to promote a fair and accurate
hearing than would adherence to the particular requirement
or limitation set by the rule.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 314 RECORDING; TRANSCRIPTS; PAYMENT FOR RECORD FOR
JUDICIAL REVIEW
Hum 314.01 Recording. The commission shall make an official verbatim
recording of all public adjudicative hearings.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 314.02 Transcripts.
(a) The stenographic or other recording made at a
public adjudicative hearing shall not be transcribed unless a transcript is
requested.
(b) If a party or any other person or entity
requests a transcript:
(1)
Transcription shall be at the expense of
the person or entity making the request, except under the circumstances
described in (c) below; and
(2)
A copy of the transcript shall be
provided to the commission.
(c) Pursuant to RSA 354-A:21,
II(c) the commission shall pay the cost of transcription when the transcript is
sought by a party who is an individual without the funds to pay for
transcription.
(d) The copy of any transcript provided to, or
made by, the commission shall be:
(1) Kept in the commission's office;
(2)
Available for examination; and
(3)
Available for copies to be made on
request and upon payment for the copies.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 315 CONDUCT OF PUBLIC ADJUDICATIVE
HEARINGS
Hum 315.01 Rights of the Parties at Public
Adjudicative Hearing.
(a)
Parties may call, examine and
cross-examine witnesses identified on the witness lists submitted pursuant to
Hum 306.05(a)(1).
(b)
Parties may offer documents and other
evidence submitted pursuant to Hum 306.05(a)(2) for inclusion in the record of
the proceedings.
(c)
Parties shall have a full and fair
opportunity to present their cases.
(d)
Parties shall be permitted to file
briefs within such time limits as the presiding officer determines.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
315.02 Default.
(a) The
commission shall issue a default order against any party to whom a notice of
hearing has been served if the party:
(1) Fails to appear for hearing; and
(2) Fails to:
a. Notify the commission of non-appearance before
the scheduled time of the public adjudicative hearing; and
b. Request a continuance and rescheduling in
accordance with Hum 305.
(b)
A party against whom a default order has
been entered may request by a motion complying with Hum 310.01 that the default
order be set aside.
(c)
An objection to a motion for a default
order to be set aside shall be governed by Hum 310.02.
(d) A
motion to set aside a default order shall be granted when the proponent of the
motion was prevented from appearing by:
(1) Serious illness of the proponent or a member
of the proponent's immediate family; or
(2) The death of a member of the proponent's
immediate family.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 315.03 Method of Presentation of the Case Supporting the Complaint.
(a) When
the complainant is not represented by an attorney, the case in support of the
complaint shall be presented by a member of the commission staff or by an
attorney representing the commission.
(b) When
the complainant is represented by an attorney:
(1) A member of the commission staff shall present
only:
a. The complaint;
b. The answer(s) of the respondent(s);
c. The report and findings of the investigating
commissioner; and
d. Exhibits selected from the investigation file;
and
(2) The complainant's attorney shall present the
case in support of the complaint.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 315.04 Order of Proof.
(a) The
case in support of the complainant's position shall be presented first.
(b) The
case in support of the non-discriminatory defense(s) of the respondent(s) shall
be presented after the complainant's case has been presented.
(c) After the presentation of the
non-discriminatory defense(s) of the respondent(s), the complainant shall have
the opportunity to rebut the defense(s) and demonstrate that the
non-discriminatory defense(s) is pretextual.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 315.05 Evidence.
(a)
Testimony shall be given under oath or
affirmation.
(b)
Testimony and other evidence shall not
be limited by the strict rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or
equity, provided, however, that the rules of privilege recognized under the
laws of the state of New Hampshire shall be applied.
(c)
Acceptable evidence shall include, but
not be limited to:
(1) Stipulations if they are signed by the person
to be bound by the stipulation or by his or her attorney; and
(2) Facts of which the presiding officer takes
official notice pursuant to Hum 315.06.
(d)
The following evidence shall not be accepted:
(1) Unduly repetitious evidence;
(2) Evidence concerning settlement or conciliation
efforts; and
(3) Non-testimonial evidence ruled by the
presiding officer as not relevant to any factual or legal issues in dispute.
Source. (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum
300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 315.06 Official Notice of Facts.
(a) The
presiding officer shall take official notice of facts on his or her own
initiative or on the motion of one or more parties.
(b) When
the presiding officer officially notices a fact or facts:
(1) It shall be so stated on the record; and
(2) Any party shall be given the opportunity to
show the contrary.
(c) Pursuant
to RSA 541-A:33, V, official notice may be taken of any of the following:
(1) Facts which could be judicially noticed in the
state's courts;
(2) The record of other proceedings before the
agency; and
(3) Codes or standards which have been adopted by
a federal or state agency or nationally recognized organization or association.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
315.07 Burden and Standard of Proof.
In order to
receive a favorable decision the complainant shall have the burden of proving
the case for the complaint by a preponderance of the evidence.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 316 FINDINGS OF
FACT; COMMISSION DECISIONS AND ORDERS
Hum
316.01 Basis for Commission Decisions.
(a)
The commission's decision in a
discrimination case shall be:
(1) Based upon the evidence presented at the
public adjudicative hearing;
(2) Made by majority vote of the 3 hearing
commissioners; and
(3) Set forth in an order.
(b)
A hearing commissioner shall not
participate in the decision if he or she has not personally heard all of the testimony, unless the decision does not depend on
the credibility of any witness and the record provides a reasonable basis for
evaluating the testimony.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
316.02 Findings of Fact; Orders.
(a)
If, upon all the evidence, the hearing
commissioners decide that a respondent has engaged in an
unlawful discriminatory practice, the commission shall:
(1) Issue the hearing commissioners' findings of
fact and an order based upon the findings;
(2) Cause the findings of fact and order to be
sent by certified mail to:
a. The respondent at the address given during the
hearing or in the answer; and
b. The complainant at the address given in the
complaint or at the hearing; and
(3) Deliver a copy of the order to the attorney
general of the State of New Hampshire.
(b)
If, upon all the evidence, the hearing
commissioners decide that a respondent did not engaged
in any unlawful practice, the commission shall:
(1) State the hearing commissioners' findings of
fact upon the record;
(2) Order the complaint dismissed;
(3) Cause the order to be sent by certified mail
to:
a. The respondent at the address
given during the hearing or in the answer; and
b. The complainant at the
address given in the complaint or at the hearing; and
(4) Deliver a copy of the order to the attorney
general of the State of New Hampshire.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
316.03 Retention of Final Commission Decisions. The commission shall keep a final decision in
its records for at least 5 years following its date of issuance, unless the
director of the division of records management and archives of the department
of state sets a different retention period pursuant to rules adopted under RSA
5:40.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 317 RECONSIDERATION
AND REVIEW OF CASE DECISIONS
Hum 317.01 Initiation of Reconsideration of Case Decision by the Commission or On Motion of A Party.
(a)
The commission shall on its own
initiative reconsider and review any case decision made pursuant to Hum 316 for
good cause as set forth in Hum 317.04, provided that, before doing so, it has
given notice to all parties and intervenors of its decision to reconsider and
review.
(b)
A party may request reconsideration and
review of a case decision by filing a motion:
(1) Complying with the motion rules in Hum
310.01(b)-(d); and
(2) Doing so within 30 days of the certified
mailing described in Hum 316.02(a)(2) or Hum 316.02(b)(3), as applicable.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
317.02 Objections to Motions for
Reconsideration. Objections to a
motion for reconsideration and review shall be governed by Hum 310.02.
Hum
317.03 Decision Maker Granting or
Denying Reconsideration.
(a) Decisions granting or denying reconsideration
and review shall be made by the presiding officer unless:
(1) Reconsideration is undertaken by the
commission on its own initiative; or
(2) The motion for reconsideration alleges a bias
or conflict of interest on the part of the presiding officer or either of the
other 2 hearing commissioners such that the bias or conflict might have
prevented a fair decision and actual harm to the motion's proponent.
(b)
If the motion alleges such bias or
conflict of interest, the commission chair shall:
(1) Grant reconsideration on his or her
determination that such allegations of bias or conflict of interest might be
true; and
(2) Appoint a new panel of 3 hearing commissioners
to review the decision in the case and issue a final decision.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
317.04 Bases for Granting
Reconsideration and Review of the Commission's Case Decision. In addition to the basis set forth in Hum
317.03(b)(1), a motion for reconsideration and review shall be granted for:
(a)
The existence of new and material
evidence of which the motion's proponent was unaware and which the proponent
could not with due diligence have uncovered and
submitted before the issuance of the case decision;
(b)
Mistake of fact or law made by the
hearing commissioners or the commission; or
(c)
Other unanticipated reasons indicating that justice has not been served by the
commission's decision.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
317.05 Procedural Effect of
Reconsideration. Reconsideration
initiated by the commission or on motion granted by the commission chair or
presiding officer shall:
(a)
Stay the original order issued by the
commission; and
(b)
Be completed with the issuance of a
final decision no later than 45 days of the following,
as applicable:
(1) The issuance of the notice required by Hum
317.01(a); or
(2) The granting of a motion for reconsideration
and review.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 317.06 Method of Review of Case Decision. After approval of reconsideration of a case
decision, review of the case decision shall be:
(a)
On the record if reconsideration was
approved because of:
(1) Alleged mistake of law by the commissioners or
the commission; or
(2) Any reason alleged pursuant to Hum 317.04(c)
which does not require a hearing to determine material facts; or
(b) After a hearing of
the material facts if reconsideration was approved:
(1) Pursuant to Hum 317.03(b)(2); or
(2) Pursuant to Hum 317.04 because of:
a.
Alleged existence of new and material
evidence of which the hearing commissioners were aware because they were not
submitted to them;
b.
Alleged mistake of fact by the
commissioners or the commission; or
c.
Any reason alleged pursuant
to Hum 317.04(c) which requires a hearing to determine material facts.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART Hum 318 DECLARATORY
RULINGS
Hum
318.01 Purpose of Declaratory Rulings.
The purpose of a declaratory ruling is
to give information to individuals and entities potentially subject to:
(1) Allegations of illegal discrimination in
violation of RSA 354-A; or
(2) Allegations of violation of such federal laws
prohibiting discrimination as are within the
jurisdiction of the commission to enforce.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
318.02 Petitions for Declaratory
Rulings.
(a)
Any person or entity may petition for a
declaratory ruling if that person or entity is potentially subject to
allegations of discrimination as further described in Hum 318.01.
(b)
A petition for a declaratory ruling:
(1) Shall relate only to actual present or
potential future circumstances;
(2) Shall not relate to past or purely
hypothetical circumstances;
(3) Shall not relate to circumstances forming the
foundation for a pending investigation, administrative hearing or litigation in
any state or federal agency or court;
(4) Shall be written in such a manner as to avoid
references to:
a.
Specific individuals and entities;
b.
Business secrets;
c.
Information which is confidential
pursuant to RSA 91-A; and
d.
Information which is confidential
pursuant to any law or pursuant to the order of any administrative agency or
court;
(5) Shall, if accompanied by supporting documents,
be accompanied only by documents which do not refer to the information listed
in (4)a. above or from which such information has been redacted;
(6) Shall, at the option of the petitioner, be
accompanied by additional material chosen to clarify the petition;
(7) Shall include the information required by (c)
below; and
(8) Shall include the following declaration signed
by the individual submitting the petition, the authorized representative of
such individual, or the authorized representative of the entity submitting the
petition:
"I
declare that I have examined this petition for a declaratory ruling, including
the accompanying documents, and state that, to the best of my knowledge and
belief, the petition complies with the administrative rules governing
declaratory rulings by the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, and that
the facts presented in the petition are true, correct and complete".
(c)
A petition for declaratory ruling shall
include:
(1) The name and address of the person submitting
the petition or the individual submitting it on behalf of another person or of
an entity;
(2) A description of the set of facts to which the
petition relates;
(3) Identification of the particular
administrative rule(s), statute(s) or order(s) the petitioner believes
might apply to the facts presented; and
(4) The specific question(s)
which the petitioner wants answered, stated in
terms
of:
a.
Whether or not the rule(s), statute(s)
or order(s) identified by the petitioner would apply to the facts stated by the
petitioner; and
b. If so, how they would apply.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
318.03 Commission Responses to
Petitions for Declaratory Rulings.
(a) If a
declaratory ruling will be delayed by the commission's
need for additional information, the commission shall so
notify the petitioner within 60 days of receipt of the petition.
(b) If
additional information is required, the commission shall, in its notice to the petitioner:
(1) Specify the information required;
(2) Require that the additional
information be provided in a statement that includes the declaration specified
in Hum 318.02(b)(9);
(3) Request any material necessary to establish or
clarify the additional information set forth in such statement; and
(4) Specify the date by which such information and
materials are to be submitted.
(c) The
commission shall deny in writing a petition for a declaratory ruling :
(1) Within 120 days of receipt of the petition if:
a.
The petitioner is not a person or entity
entitled to submit a petition;
b.
The petition identifies no
administrative rule(s), statute(s) or order(s) within the jurisdiction of the
commission; or
c.
The petition does not comply with Hum
318.02; and
(2) Within 120 days of the deadline set by the
commission, if the petitioner does not timely provide
the additional information and materials sought by the commission pursuant to
(b) above.
(d) If the commission does not deny a
petition for declaratory ruling, it shall grant the petition by ruling in
writing on the questions stated by the petitioner pursuant to Hum 318.02(c)(4)
within 120 days of the receipt of:
(1) The petition; or
(2) The additional information requested pursuant
to (b) above.
(e) The
commission shall draft declaratory rulings in a manner intended to avoid the
disclosure of:
(1) The identity of specific individuals and
entities;
(2) Business secrets;
(3) Information which is confidential pursuant to RSA 91-A; and
(4) Information which is confidential pursuant to
any law or pursuant to the order of any administrative agency or court.
(f)
In accordance with RSA 541-A:16, II (b),
the commission shall file declaratory rulings on the day of issuance with the
director of legislative services.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
318.04 Effect of Declaratory Rulings.
A declaratory ruling issued by the commission
shall:
(a)
Apply only to the petitioner;
(b)
Be confined to the set of facts and
information contained in the petition or additional submissions made in
conjunction with the petition; and
(b)
Not constitute a finding that such facts
and information have occurred or will occur as presented.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 319 RULEMAKING
Hum
319.01 Rulemaking Notice. A copy of a notice of proposed rulemaking
shall be sent to any person who has made a written request to receive such
notices from the commission.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
319.02 Petitions for Rulemaking.
(a)
Any person may seek the adoption,
amendment or repeal of a rule by submitting to the commission a petition
pursuant to RSA 541-A:4.
(b)
Each petition for rulemaking shall
contain:
(1) The name and address of the individual
petitioner or, if the request is that of an organization or other entity, the
identity of such organization or entity and the name and address of the
representative authorized by the entity to file the petition;
(2) A statement of the purpose of the petition,
whether the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule;
(3) If amendment or adoption of a rule is sought,
the text proposed;
(4) If amendment or repeal of a rule is sought,
identification of the current rule sought to be amended or repealed;
(5) Reference to the statutory provision that
authorizes or supports the rulemaking petition; and
(6) Information or argument useful to the
commission when deciding whether to begin the rulemaking process.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
319.03 Disposition of Petitions for
Rulemaking.
(a)
The commission shall request additional
information or argument from the petitioner for rulemaking or from others if
such additional information or argument is required to reach a decision.
(b)
The commission shall grant the petition
for rulemaking unless the adoption, amendment or repeal sought would result in:
(1) A rule that is not within the rulemaking
authority of the commission;
(2) Duplication of a rule or of a statutory
provision;
(3) Inconsistency between the existing rules and
the statutory mandate of the commission;
(4) Inconsistency of one administrative rule with
another; or
(5) Excessive burden upon the
commission in terms of cost or a reduction in efficiency or effectiveness.
(c)
Within 30 days of receipt of a
sufficient petition the commission shall dispose of it in the following manner:
(1) By notifying the petitioner that the petition
is granted and beginning rulemaking proceedings as required by RSA 541-A:4; or
(2) By notifying the petitioner in writing that
the petition is denied and the reasons for its denial.
(d) The
denial of a petition for rulemaking shall not entitle the petitioner to a
hearing.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 320 PUBLIC COMMENT HEARINGS
Hum
320.01 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to provide uniform
procedures for the conduct of public comment hearings held pursuant to RSA
541-A:11.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
320.02 Public Access and
Participation.
(a)
Public comment hearings shall be open to
the public, and members of the public shall be entitled to testify, subject to
the limitations of Hum 320.03.
(b)
People who wish to testify shall be
asked to write on the speaker's list:
(1) Their full names and addresses; and
(2) The names and addresses of organizations,
entities or other persons whom they represent, if any.
(c) Written comments, which may be submitted in
lieu of or in addition to oral testimony, shall be accepted for 10 days after
the adjournment of a hearing or after the adjournment of a postponed or
continued hearing.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
320.03 Limitations on Public
Participation. The commission chair
or other person designated by the commission to preside over a public comment
hearing shall:
(a)
Refuse to recognize for speaking or
revoke the recognition of any person who:
(1) Speaks or acts in an abusive or disruptive
manner;
(2) Fails to keep comments relevant to the
proposed rules that are the subject matter of the hearing; or
(3) Restates more than once what he or she has
already stated; and
(b)
Limit presentations on behalf of the
same organization or entity to no more than 3, provided that all those representing
such organization or entity may enter their names and addresses into the record
as supporting the position of the organization or entity.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum 320.04 Media Access. Public comment hearings shall be open to print
and electronic media, subject to the following limitations when such
limitations are necessary to allow a hearing to go forward:
(a)
Limitation of the number of media
representatives when their number together with the number of other members of
the public present exceeds the capacity of the hearing room;
(b)
Limitation on the placement of cameras
to specific locations within the hearing room; or
(c)
Prohibition of interviews conducted
within the hearing room before or during the hearing.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
Hum
320.05 Conduct of Public Comment
Hearings.
(a)
Public comment hearings shall be
attended by a quorum of the commission.
(b)
Public comment hearings shall be
presided over by the commission chair or a commission member knowledgeable in
the subject area of the proposed rules who has been designated to preside over
the hearing.
(c)
The chair or other person presiding over
a hearing shall:
(1) Call the hearing to order;
(2) Identify the proposed rules that are the
subject matter of the hearing and provide copies of them upon request;
(3) Cause a recording of the hearing to be made;
(4) Recognize those who wish to be heard;
(5) If necessary, establish limits pursuant to Hum
320.03 and Hum 320.04;
(6) If necessary to permit the hearing to go
forward in an orderly manner, effect the removal of a person who speaks or acts
in a manner that is personally abusive or otherwise disrupts the hearing;
(7) If necessary, postpone or move the hearing;
and
(8) Adjourn or continue the hearing.
(d)
A hearing shall be postponed in
accordance with RSA 541-A:11, IV when:
(1) The weather is so inclement that it is
reasonable to conclude that people wishing to attend the hearing will be unable
to do so;
(2) There is no quorum of the commission due to
illness or unavoidable absence; or
(3) Postponement will facilitate greater
participation by the public.
(e) A
hearing shall be moved to another location in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, V
when the original location is not able to accommodate the number of people who
wish to attend the hearing.
(f)
A hearing shall be continued past the
scheduled time or to another date in accordance with RSA 541-A:11, III when:
(1) The time available is not sufficient to give
each person who wishes to speak a reasonable opportunity to do so; or
(2) The capacity of the room in which the hearing
is to be held does not accommodate the number of people who wish to attend; and
it is not possible to move the hearing to another location.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-A, eff 2-3-07
PART
Hum 321 EXPLANATION OF ADOPTED RULES
Hum
321.01 Requests for Explanation of
Adopted Rules. Any interested person
may, within 30 days of the final adoption of a rule, request a written
explanation of that rule by making a written request to the commission
including:
(a)
The name and address of the person
making the request; or
(b)
If the request is that of an
organization or other entity, the name and address of such organization or
entity and the name and address of the representative authorized by the
organization or entity to make the request.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-B,
eff 2-3-07
Hum
321.02 Contents of Explanation. The commission shall, within 90 days of
receiving a request in accordance with Hum 321.01, provide a written response
which:
(a)
Concisely states the meaning of the rule
adopted;
(b)
Concisely states the principal reasons
for and against the adoption of the rule in its final form; and
(c) States, if the commission did so, why the commission overruled any arguments and considerations presented against the rule.
Source. (See
Revision Note at chapter heading for Hum 300) #8815-B,
eff 2-3-07
APPENDIX
|
Rule |
Statute
|
|
|
|
|
Hum 101 |
RSA 541-A:7 |
|
Hum 102.01 |
RSA 354-A:5, V, VI, VIII and IX |
|
Hum 102.02(a) |
RSA 354-A:3, I |
|
Hum 102.02(b) |
RSA 354-A:5, III |
|
Hum 103.01 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(a) |
|
Hum 103.02(a) |
RSA 91-A:4 |
|
Hum 103.02(b) |
RSA 541-A:16(1)(b) |
|
|
|
|
Hum 201 |
RSA 541-A:7 |
|
Hum 202 |
RSA 354-A:5,V; RSA 541-A:16, I(b) |
|
Hum 202.01(a)(1)-(3) |
RSA 354-A:21, I(a) |
|
Hum 202.01(a)(4) |
RSA 354-A:21, I(b) |
|
Hum 202.01(b)-(d) |
RSA 354-A:21, I(a) |
|
Hum 202.02 |
RSA 354-A:21, I(a) |
|
Hum 202.03 |
RSA 354-A:21, I(a) |
|
Hum 202.04(a) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b) |
|
Hum 202.04(b) |
RSA 354-A:21, III |
|
Hum 202.04(c) and Hum 202.05 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b) |
|
Hum 203 |
RSA 354-A:21, II(a); RSA 354-A:5,V |
|
Hum 204 and Hum 205 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 206 through Hum 211 |
RSA 354-A:21, II(a); RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 212 |
RSA 354-A:5,V; 541-A:16, I(b) |
|
Hum 212.01 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 212.02(a) |
RSA 354-A:25 |
|
Hum 212.02(b) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 213 through Hum 218 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 219.01(a) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 219.01(b)(1)-(4) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 219.01(b)(5)-(6) |
RSA 91-A:5 |
|
Hum 219.01(b)(7) and (c) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 219.02-Hum 219.04(a) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 219.04(b) |
RSA 354-A:21, II(a) |
|
Hum 219.04(c) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 220 and Hum 221 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
|
|
|
Hum 301.01 and Hum 302.01 |
RSA 541-A:7 |
|
Hum 302.02, Hum 302.03 |
RSA 354-A:15, IV; RSA 354-A:5,V |
|
Hum 303.01 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 303.02 |
RSA 641-A:30-a, III(b) |
|
Hum 303.03 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 304.01 |
RSA 354-A:4; RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 304.02(a) and (b) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 304.02(c) |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(k) |
|
Hum 304.03 |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(f) |
|
Hum 304.04 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 305 |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(h) |
|
Hum 306.01 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 306.02 |
RSA 541-A:31, V(b) and (c); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 306.03 |
RSA 354-A:21, II(c); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 306.04 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 306.05 |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(c) |
|
Hum 307.01- Hum 307.03 |
RSA 354-A:5, VII; RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 307.04 |
RSA 354-A:5, XIV |
|
Hum 308 through Hum 310 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 311 |
RSA 541-A:32 |
|
Hum 312 |
RSA
541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 313 |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(j) |
|
Hum 314.01 and Hum 314.02(a) and (b) |
RSA 541-A:31, VII |
|
Hum 314.02(c) and (d) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 315.01(a) |
RSA 541-A:31, IV; RSA 541-A:33, IV; RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 315.01(b)-(d) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 315.02 - Hum 315.04 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 315.03 |
RSA 354-A:21, II(c) |
|
Hum 315.04 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 315.05(a) and (b) |
RSA 354-A:21, II(c) |
|
Hum 315.05(c) and (d) |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 315.06 |
RSA 541-A:33, V |
|
Hum 315.07 |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(d) and (e) |
|
Hum 316.01 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 316.02(a) |
RSA 354-A:21, II(d) |
|
Hum 316.02(b) |
RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 316.03 |
RSA 541-A:30-a, III(l) |
|
Hum 317 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2); RSA 354-A:21, II(f) |
|
Hum 318 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(d) |
|
Hum 319 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(c) |
|
Hum 320 |
RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(3) |
|
Hum 321 |
RSA 541-A:11, VII |