Any agency not covered by this chapter may contract with the Office of Hearing Examiners or any other person to conduct hearings on a case-by-case basis and the power to contract with the office is specifically granted. At the option of the contracting agency, the hearing examiner may exercise the powers granted in chapter 1-26 and in § 1-26D-6, or the hearing examiner may be hired and have the limited power to conduct the contested case, rule on procedural, evidentiary, and other motions raised by the parties, and provide legal assistance to the contracting agency. The Office of Hearing Examiners may bill the contracting agency for services rendered pursuant to such contracts.
SDCL 1-26D-11