§579 Arbitration proceedings

Summary

The arbitrator (the person who decides the dispute) must pick a time and place for the hearing and tell the parties at least 5 days beforehand. If a party wants a written record or transcript, that party must prepare it, tell the others and the arbitrator, give copies to everyone named, and pay the costs unless everyone agrees otherwise or the arbitrator decides how to split costs. Parties have the right to speak, present evidence, and question witnesses. With the parties’ agreement, the hearing can be by phone, video, or computer. The hearing should be quick and informal. The arbitrator can accept or refuse evidence that is irrelevant, repetitive, or protected, and must follow laws, court decisions, and agency policies when deciding. No one may privately give the arbitrator information about the case’s merits without permission. If that happens, the arbitrator must make a written note, add it to the record, and allow a response. The arbitrator may also require the offending party to explain why their claim should not be decided against them. The decision must be issued within 30 days after the hearing ends or after any allowed briefs are filed, whichever is later, unless the parties or the agency set a different time.