Section 1174.31 - Sanctions for misconduct(a) The ALJ may sanction a person, including any party or representative, for failing to comply with an order, or for engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the speedy, orderly, and fair conduct of a hearing.(b) Any such sanction shall reasonably relate to the severity and nature of the misconduct.(c) When a party fails to comply with an order, including an order for taking a deposition, producing evidence within the party's control, or responding to a request for admission, the ALJ may: (1) Draw an inference in favor of the requesting party with regard to the information sought;(2) In the case of requests for admission, deem each matter for which an admission is requested to be admitted;(3) Prohibit the party failing to comply with such order from introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying upon testimony relating to, the information sought; and(4) Strike any part of the pleadings or other submissions filed by the party failing to comply with such a request.(d) The ALJ may refuse to consider any motion, request, response, brief or other document which is not filed in a timely fashion.(e) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action under this part that is commenced by service of a hearing notice, the ALJ may dismiss the action or may issue an initial decision imposing penalties and assessments.