(a) Hearing panel. The Chair of the Commission shall appoint at least three members who did not participate in a pre-hearing meeting under § 3-5A-205 to serve as the hearing panel for a hearing on the complaint.
(b) Notice of hearing. The Chair shall serve a notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing on the parties at least 15 days prior to the date of hearing.
(c) Subpoenas. Prior to the hearing, at the request of the Commission or a party, the Human Relations Officer may issue, one or more subpoenas pursuant to § 1-2-101 of this Code.
(d) Hearing. At the hearing, the Human Relations Officer shall administer the oath to each witness in accordance with § 1-2-102 of this Code. The Commission shall consider all relevant evidence to determine whether the respondent has engaged in one or more acts of discrimination in housing. The burden of proof shall be on the complainant and the burden of persuasion shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.
(e) Hearing is open; authority to close. A hearing shall be open to the public but may be closed in accordance with § 3-305 of the General Provisions Article of the State Code.
(Bill No. 57-19)