(a) Proceedings open to public. Unless prohibited by law, all SOAH proceedings are open to the public.

(b) Removal of persons from proceeding. The judge retains the authority to remove persons whose conduct impedes the orderly progress of the proceeding and to take necessary steps to limit attendance due to any physical limitations of the hearing facility.

(c) Public comment. When authorized by statute, members of the public shall be allowed to make public comment addressing matters pertinent to the issues in the case. Unless provided by law, public comment is not part of the evidentiary record of the case.

Source Note: The provisions of this §155.409 adopted to be effective November 26, 2008, 33 TexReg 9451.