(1) The commission may, in any proceeding, on its own motion or upon petition by any party, with reasonable notice, request all interested parties to attend one or more prehearing conferences for the purpose of determining the feasibility of settlement or of formulating the issues in the proceeding and to determine other matters to aid in its disposition. A commissioner, hearing examiner or designated staff member shall preside at such conference. The purposes of the conference may include: scheduling of discovery, and fixing of hearing dates; simplification of issues; the necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings; the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and documents which will avoid unnecessary proof; limitations on the number and consolidation of the examination of witnesses; the procedure at the hearing; the distribution of written testimony and exhibits to the parties prior to the hearing; and such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the proceeding, or settlement thereof.Mont. Admin. r. 38.2.2701
NEW, 1977 MAR p. 1200, Eff. 12/24/77.69-3-103, 69-2-101, 69-12-201(2) and 69-1-110(3), MCA; IMP, 69-2-101, MCA;