The commission may establish rules of procedure for the conduct of the panel hearings as provided in this article and is not governed by the Administrative Procedures Act in establishing these rules or in the conduct of panel hearings. The commissioner, upon request of the panel conducting a hearing, may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to allow the panel to interview any person it deems necessary and review any document it deems relevant.

A person or group of persons charged in the complaint with engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination or segregation in violation of Article 1 shall have the right in the hearing to present physical and documentary evidence, the testimony of witnesses, and other relevant information. In procuring the testimony of witnesses, such persons shall have the benefit of the commissioner's subpoena power. Such persons shall have the right to appear before the panel and be represented by an attorney, to call witnesses, to confront and cross examine adverse witnesses, and to make oral and written legal arguments.

All testimony given must be under oath in the presence of a court reporter who shall record the proceedings. The rules of evidence applicable in circuit court shall be used in all hearings. Except to the extent necessary to establish a pattern or practice of discrimination or segregation or to allow for the participation of those intervenors as may be allowed by Section 45-9-70, the panel conducting the hearing must limit the scope of the hearing to the items delineated in the description of the charges or in the allegations in the complaint.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, all deliberations and votes of the panel may be conducted in executive session. The deliberations, findings, and conclusions of the panel are confidential and may not be disclosed by any person until the final order or determination is made public as provided in this article.

Except as otherwise provided by this article, if it is determined that the rights and privileges secured by Article 1 have been violated by a pattern or practice of discrimination or segregation by an owner of an establishment, an employee of an establishment, or an agent of an establishment, the panel shall grant the relief authorized in Section 45-9-80. The panel may further order any persons found to have violated the provisions of Article 1 by a pattern or practice of discrimination or segregation to reimburse the State for the actual costs incurred in conducting the hearing, including reasonable attorney's fees.

HISTORY: 1990 Act No. 423, Section 1, eff April 25, 1990.