FROM: Barbara Hannah, Chief Counsel
SUBJECT: Procedures for Benefit Administrative Appeal Hearings
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommend that the Board approve and adopt Procedures for SBCERA Administrative Appeal Hearings.
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BACKGROUND:
Staff recommends the adoption and implementation of the Procedures for Benefit Administrative Appeal Hearings. The Procedures are designed to promote fairness, efficiency, and accessibility in the administrative appeals process. In alignment with Benefits Policy No. 025 (Requests and Appeals for Pension Benefits), the Procedures prescribe procedural requirements for adjudicating an appeal that is referred to an administrative hearing under Benefits Policy No. 025.
The Procedures accomplish the following objectives:
* Clarity and Standardization - The Procedures clearly define timeliness, submission requirements, and procedural responsibilities. The process reduces ambiguity and potential disputes.
* Efficiency in Case Processing - The Procedures streamline hearing management and reducing delays by outlining the time requirements for the prehearing statement; scheduling of the hearing; and evidence deadlines, including requesting subpoenas for witness testimony or production of documents.
* Support for Self-Represented Parties - Recognizing that many appellants appear without legal representation, the Rules accommodates pro per appellants with clear participation guidelines.
Below are few key procedural requirements detailed in the Procedures:
1. Hearing Officer Appointment (Rules 3 and 5)
The selection of the hearing officer will be based on the complexity and technical requirements, and other factors pertinent to the adjudication of the appeal. In addition, the hearing officer's subject matter expertise in the relevant matter will also be taken into consideration. The hearing officer will have the authority to rule on procedural matters, maintain order, impose time limits, and decide evidentiary iss...
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