051-7 Wyo. Code R. §§ 7-5 - Informal Hearing Process

(a) If the Complainant requests an informal hearing, the informal hearing shall be held before two (2) Board members who shall be selected by the Chairman of the Board or his designee.

(b) The informal hearing is an opportunity for the parties to discuss the appeal, present their arguments and reach a negotiated settlement with the assistance of the two (2) selected Board members.

(c) The informal hearing shall be held within forty five (45) days after the Complainant's request, however, the two (2) Board members shall have the discretion to extend this time period.

(d) The informal hearing may be conducted by phone or in person.

(e) Wyoming Rule of Evidence 408 will be applied to the informal hearing process.

(f) During the informal hearing, the Complainant may be represented by his attorney and the Wyoming State Veterinarian, Director or their designee may be represented by an Assistant Attorney General.

(g) If the parties are unable to reach a negotiated settlement within sixty ( 60) days after the Complainant's request for an informal hearing, the appeal shall proceed to a formal contested case hearing as outlined in Section 6 of these rules. The two (2) selected Board members shall have the discretion to extend this time period.

(h) The Board members who participate in the informal hearing shall not sit on the Board during the formal contested case hearing nor participate in the Board's final decision and order. The two selected Board members who participated in the informal hearing may not discuss the appeal with the remaining Board members until a final decision and order is issued following the formal contested case hearing.

(i) There is no requirement that the Complainant participate in an informal hearing prior to requesting or participating in a formal contested case hearing.

Notes

051-7 Wyo. Code R. §§ 7-5