(2) If the finding at the hearing is that the identification, evaluation or educational placement is not appropriate or that the child is not being provided a free appropriate public education, the hearing officer shall grant appropriate relief within the hearing officer’s scope of authority.

(3) In matters alleging a procedural violation, a hearing officer may find that a child did not receive a free appropriate public education only if the procedural inadequacies:

(a) Impeded the child’s right to a free appropriate public education;

(b) Significantly impeded the parents’ opportunity to participate in the decision-making process regarding the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child; or

(c) Caused a deprivation of educational benefits.

(4) Nothing in subsection (3) of this section shall be construed to preclude a hearing officer from ordering a school district to comply with procedural requirements.

(5) The decision shall be entered not later than 45 days after the request for hearing is filed unless an extension has been granted by the hearing officer at the request of the parent or the school district. Copies of the decision shall be sent to the parent and to the school district accompanied by a statement describing the method of appealing the decision.

(6) In expedited hearings conducted pursuant to ORS 343.165 (8), the State Board of Education shall adopt rules that require a hearing within 20 school days of the date the hearing is requested and a determination within 10 school days after the hearing.

(7) Pursuant to rules of the State Board of Education, the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall bill the school district for all reasonable costs connected with the appointment of an independent hearing officer and the conduct of a due process hearing. The district shall make payment to the Department of Education for the cost of the hearing within 30 days of receipt of the billing. [1979 c.423 §7 (enacted in lieu of 343.077); 1989 c.252 §2; 1991 c.795 §6; 1993 c.749 §9; 1999 c.989 §17; 2001 c.483 §2; 2005 c.662 §6]