ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT OF 1969 (EXCERPT)
Act 306 of 1969 Chapter 4
PROCEDURES IN CONTESTED CASES

24.271 Parties in contested case; time and notice of hearing; service of notice or other process on legislator.

Sec. 71.

(1) The parties in a contested case shall be given an opportunity for a hearing without undue delay.

(2) The parties shall be given a reasonable notice of the hearing, which notice shall include:

(a) A statement of the date, hour, place, and nature of the hearing. Unless otherwise specified in the notice the hearing shall be held at the principal office of the agency.

(b) A statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held.

(d) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted. If the agency or other party is unable to state the matters in detail at the time the notice is given, the initial notice may state the issues involved. Thereafter on application the agency or other party shall furnish a more definite and detailed statement on the issues.

(3) A member of the legislature shall not be privileged from service of notice or other process pursuant to this chapter except on a day on which there is a scheduled meeting of the house of which he or she is a member. However, a member of the legislature shall not be privileged from service of notice or other process pursuant to this chapter on a day on which there is a scheduled meeting of the house of which he or she is a member, if such service of notice or process is executed by certified mail, return receipt requested.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1984, Act 28, Imd. Eff. Mar. 12, 1984
Constitutionality: Administrative hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act, however informal, comport with the procedural fairness required by due process in the absence of an explicit statutory requirement that a contested evidentiary hearing be held. Convalescent Center v Blue Cross, 414 Mich 247; 324 NW2d 851 (1982).
Popular Name: Act 306
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24.272 Defaults, written answers, evidence, argument, cross-examination.

Sec. 72.

(1) If a party fails to appear in a contested case after proper service of notice, the agency, if no adjournment is granted, may proceed with the hearing and make its decision in the absence of the party.

(2) A party who has been served with a notice of hearing may file a written answer before the date set for hearing.

(3) The parties shall be given an opportunity to present oral and written arguments on issues of law and policy and an opportunity to present evidence and argument on issues of fact.

(4) A party may cross-examine a witness, including the author of a document prepared by, on behalf of, or for use of the agency and offered in evidence. A party may submit rebuttal evidence.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.273 Subpoenas; issuance; revocation.

Sec. 73.

An agency authorized by statute to issue subpoenas, when a written request is made by a party in a contested case, shall issue subpoenas forthwith requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence including books, records, correspondence and documents in their possession or under their control. On written request, the agency shall revoke a subpoena if the evidence, the production of which is required, does not relate to a matter in issue, or if the subpoena does not describe with sufficient particularity the evidence the production of which is required, or if for any other reason sufficient in law the subpoena is invalid. Witness fees shall be paid to subpoenaed witnesses in accordance with section 2552 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as amended, being section 600.2552 of the Compiled Laws of 1948. In case of refusal to comply with a subpoena, the party on whose behalf it was issued may file a petition, in the circuit court for Ingham county or for the county in which the agency hearing is held, for an order requiring compliance.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.274 Oaths; depositions; disclosure of agency records.

Sec. 74.

(1) An officer of an agency may administer an oath or affirmation to a witness in a matter before the agency, certify to official acts and take depositions. A deposition may be used in lieu of other evidence when taken in compliance with the general court rules. An agency authorized to adjudicate contested cases may adopt rules providing for discovery and depositions to the extent and in the manner appropriate to its proceedings.

(2) An agency that relies on a witness in a contested case, whether or not an agency employee, who has made prior statements or reports with respect to the subject matter of his testimony, shall make such statements or reports available to opposing parties for use on cross-examination. On a request for identifiable agency records, with respect to disputed material facts involved in a contested case, except records related solely to the internal procedures of the agency or which are exempt from disclosure by law, an agency shall make such records promptly available to a party.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.275 Evidence; admissibility, objections, submission in written form.

Sec. 75.

In a contested case the rules of evidence as applied in a nonjury civil case in circuit court shall be followed as far as practicable, but an agency may admit and give probative effect to evidence of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent men in the conduct of their affairs. Irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded. Effect shall be given to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Objections to offers of evidence may be made and shall be noted in the record. Subject to these requirements, an agency, for the purpose of expediting hearings and when the interests of the parties will not be substantially prejudiced thereby, may provide in a contested case or by rule for submission of all or part of the evidence in written form.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.275a Definitions; hearing where witness testifies as alleged victim of sexual, physical, or psychological abuse; use of dolls or mannequins; support person; notice; ruling on objection; exclusion of persons not necessary to proceeding; section additional to other protections or procedures.

Sec. 75a.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Developmental disability" means that term as defined in section 100a of the mental health code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1100a except that, for the purposes of implementing this section, developmental disability includes only a condition that is attributable to a mental impairment or to a combination of mental and physical impairments, and does not include a condition attributable to a physical impairment unaccompanied by a mental impairment.

(b) "Witness" means an alleged victim under subsection (2) who is either of the following:

(i) A person under 16 years of age.

(ii) A person 16 years of age or older with a developmental disability.

(2) This section only applies to a contested case in which a witness testifies as an alleged victim of sexual, physical, or psychological abuse. As used in this subsection, "psychological abuse" means an injury to the witness's mental condition or welfare that is not necessarily permanent but results in substantial and protracted, visibly demonstrable manifestations of mental distress.

(3) If pertinent, the witness shall be permitted the use of dolls or mannequins, including, but not limited to, anatomically correct dolls or mannequins, to assist the witness in testifying on direct and cross-examination.

(4) A witness who is called upon to testify shall be permitted to have a support person sit with, accompany, or be in close proximity to the witness during his or her testimony. A notice of intent to use a support person shall name the support person, identify the relationship the support person has with the witness, and give notice to all parties to the proceeding that the witness may request that the named support person sit with the witness when the witness is called upon to testify during any stage of the proceeding. The notice of intent to use a named support person shall be served upon all parties to the proceeding. The agency shall rule on any objection to the use of a named support person prior to the date at which the witness desires to use the support person.

(5) In a hearing under this section, all persons not necessary to the proceeding shall be excluded during the witness's testimony.

(6) This section is in addition to other protections or procedures afforded to a witness by law or court rule.

History: Add. 1987, Act 46, Eff. Jan. 1, 1988 ;-- Am. 1998, Act 327, Imd. Eff. Aug. 3, 1998
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.276 Evidence to be entered on record; documentary evidence.

Sec. 76.

Evidence in a contested case, including records and documents in possession of an agency of which it desires to avail itself, shall be offered and made a part of the record. Other factual information or evidence shall not be considered in determination of the case, except as permitted under section 77. Documentary evidence may be received in the form of a copy or excerpt, if the original is not readily available, or may be incorporated by reference, if the materials so incorporated are available for examination by the parties. Upon timely request, a party shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy with the original when available.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.277 Official notice of facts; evaluation of evidence.

Sec. 77.

An agency in a contested case may take official notice of judicially cognizable facts, and may take notice of general, technical or scientific facts within the agency's specialized knowledge. The agency shall notify parties at the earliest practicable time of any noticed fact which pertains to a material disputed issue which is being adjudicated, and on timely request the parties shall be given an opportunity before final decision to dispute the fact or its materiality. An agency may use its experience, technical competence and specialized knowledge in the evaluation of evidence presented to it.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.278 Stipulations; disposition of cases, methods.

Sec. 78.

(1) The parties in a contested case by a stipulation in writing filed with the agency may agree upon any fact involved in the controversy, which stipulation shall be used as evidence at the hearing and be binding on the parties thereto. Parties are requested to thus agree upon facts when practicable.

(2) Except as otherwise provided by law, disposition may be made of a contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order, waiver, default or other method agreed upon by the parties.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.279 Presiding officers; designation; disqualification, inability.

Sec. 79.

An agency, 1 or more members of the agency, a person designated by statute or 1 or more hearing officers designated and authorized by the agency to handle contested cases, shall be presiding officers in contested cases. Hearings shall be conducted in an impartial manner. On the filing in good faith by a party of a timely and sufficient affidavit of personal bias or disqualification of a presiding officer, the agency shall determine the matter as a part of the record in the case, and its determination shall be subject to judicial review at the conclusion of the proceeding. When a presiding officer is disqualified or it is impracticable for him to continue the hearing, another presiding officer may be assigned to continue with the case unless it is shown that substantial prejudice to the party will result therefrom.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.280 Presiding officer; powers and duties; “nonmeeting day” defined.

Sec. 80.

(1) A presiding officer may do all of the following:

(a) Administer oaths and affirmations.

(b) Sign and issue subpoenas in the name of the agency, requiring attendance and giving of testimony by witnesses and the production of books, papers, and other documentary evidence.

(d) Regulate the course of the hearings, set the time and place for continued hearings, and fix the time for filing of briefs and other documents.

(e) Direct the parties to appear and confer to consider simplification of the issues by consent of the parties.

(f) Act upon an application for an award of costs and fees under sections 121 to 127.

(2) In order to assure adequate representation for the people of this state, when the presiding officer knows that a party in a contested case is a member of the legislature of this state, and the legislature is in session, the contested case shall be continued by the presiding officer to a nonmeeting day.

(3) In order to assure adequate representation for the people of this state, when the presiding officer knows that a party to a contested case is a member of the legislature of this state who serves on a legislative committee, subcommittee, commission, or council that is scheduled to meet during the legislative session while the legislature is temporarily adjourned, or that is scheduled to meet during the interim between legislative sessions after the legislature has adjourned sine die, or when the partisan caucus of which the legislator is a member is scheduled to meet, the contested case shall be continued to a nonmeeting day.

(4) In order to assure adequate representation for the people of this state, when the presiding officer knows that a witness in a contested case is a member of the legislature of this state, and the legislature is in session, or the member is serving on a legislative committee, subcommittee, commission, or council that is scheduled to meet during the legislative session while the legislature is temporarily adjourned or during the interim between legislative sessions after the legislature has adjourned sine die, or when the partisan caucus of which the legislator is a member is scheduled to meet the contested case need not be continued, but the taking of the legislator's testimony, as a witness shall be postponed to the earliest practicable nonmeeting day.

(5) The presiding officer shall notify all parties to the contested case, and their attorneys, of any continuance granted pursuant to this section.

(6) As used in this section, "nonmeeting day" means a day on which there is not a scheduled meeting of the house of which the party or witness is a member, nor a legislative committee meeting or public hearing scheduled by a committee, subcommittee, commission, or council of which he or she is a member, nor a scheduled partisan caucus of the members of the house of which he or she is a member.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1984, Act 28, Imd. Eff. Mar. 12, 1984 ;-- Am. 1984, Act 196, Imd. Eff. July 3, 1984
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.281 Proposals for decision; contents.

Sec. 81.

(1) When the official or a majority of the officials of the agency who are to make a final decision have not heard a contested case or read the record, the decision, if adverse to a party to the proceeding other than the agency itself, shall not be made until a proposal for decision is served on the parties, and an opportunity is given to each party adversely affected to file exceptions and present written arguments to the officials who are to make the decision. Oral argument may be permitted with consent of the agency.

(2) The proposal for decision shall contain a statement of the reasons therefor and of each issue of fact and law necessary to the proposed decision, prepared by a person who conducted the hearing or who has read the record.

(3) The decision, without further proceedings, shall become the final decision of the agency in the absence of the filing of exceptions or review by action of the agency within the time provided by rule. On appeal from or review of a proposal of decision the agency, except as it may limit the issue upon notice or by rule, shall have all the powers which it would have if it had presided at the hearing.

(4) The parties, by written stipulation or at the hearing, may waive compliance with this section.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.282 Communications by agency staff; limitations; exceptions.

Sec. 82.

Unless required for disposition of an ex parte matter authorized by law, a member or employee of an agency assigned to make a decision or to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a contested case shall not communicate, directly or indirectly, in connection with any issue of fact, with any person or party, nor, in connection with any issue of law, with any party or his representative, except on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. This prohibition begins at the time of the notice of hearing. An agency member may communicate with other members of the agency and may have the aid and advice of the agency staff other than the staff which has been or is engaged in investigating or prosecuting functions in connection with the case under consideration or a factually related case. This section does not apply to an agency employee, or party representative with professional training in accounting, actuarial science, economics, financial analysis or rate-making, in a contested case before the financial institutions bureau, the insurance bureau or the public service commission insofar as the case involves rate-making or financial practices or conditions.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.285 Final decision and order.

Sec. 85.

A final decision or order of an agency in a contested case shall be made, within a reasonable period, in writing or stated in the record and shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law separated into sections captioned or entitled "findings of fact" and "conclusions of law", respectively. Findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence and on matters officially noticed. Findings of fact, if set forth in statutory language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting them. If a party submits proposed findings of fact that would control the decision or order, the decision or order shall include a ruling upon each proposed finding. Each conclusion of law shall be supported by authority or reasoned opinion. A decision or order shall not be made except upon consideration of the record as a whole or a portion of the record as may be cited by any party to the proceeding and as supported by and in accordance with the competent, material, and substantial evidence. A copy of the decision or order shall be delivered or mailed immediately to each party and to his or her attorney of record.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 83, Eff. Apr. 1, 1994
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.286 Official records of hearings.

Sec. 86.

(1) An agency shall prepare an official record of a hearing which shall include:

(a) Notices, pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings.

(b) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon.

(d) Matters officially noticed, except matters so obvious that a statement of them would serve no useful purpose.

(e) Proposed findings and exceptions.

(f) Any decision, opinion, order or report by the officer presiding at the hearing and by the agency.

(2) Oral proceedings at which evidence is presented shall be recorded, but need not be transcribed unless requested by a party who shall pay for the transcription of the portion requested except as otherwise provided by law.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.287 Rehearings.

Sec. 87.

(1) An agency may order a rehearing in a contested case on its own motion or on request of a party.

(2) Where for justifiable reasons the record of testimony made at the hearing is found by the agency to be inadequate for purposes of judicial review, the agency on its own motion or on request of a party shall order a rehearing.

(3) A request for a rehearing shall be filed within the time fixed by this act for instituting proceedings for judicial review. A rehearing shall be noticed and conducted in the same manner as an original hearing. The evidence received at the rehearing shall be included in the record for agency reconsideration and for judicial review. A decision or order may be amended or vacated after the rehearing.

History: 1969, Act 306, Eff. July 1, 1970 ;-- Am. 1970, Act 40, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1970
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

24.288 Contested case for permit under MCL 324.1301.

Sec. 88.

In a contested case regarding a permit, as that term is defined in section 1301(g) of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.1301, the designation of a presiding officer, the effect of a decision by a presiding officer, the availability of other administrative remedies, and judicial review are controlled by sections 1315 and 1317 of the natural resources and environmental protection act, 1994 PA 451, MCL 324.1315 and 324.1317.

History: Add. 2018, Act 267, Imd. Eff. June 29, 2018
Popular Name: Act 306
Popular Name: APA

Rendered 8/15/2025 9:24 PM
Michigan Compiled Laws Complete Through PA 5 of 2025
Courtesy of legislature.mi.gov