The Hearing Division’s 11 Administrative Law Judges (“ALJs”) exercise the Commission’s authority to hold evidentiary hearings on cases involving the regulation and oversight of non-governmental utilities (“public service corporations”), pipeline and railroad crossing safety, and securities and securities salespersons and investment management advisors pursuant to  Arizona’s Securities Act and Investment Management Act.  For each assigned case, the ALJ establishes the procedural requirements and schedules and if an evidentiary hearing is held, presides over the formal hearing that involves opening statements, sworn witness testimony, cross-examination of witnesses, admission of documentary and other evidence, and closing statements or post-hearing briefs.  In addition to evidentiary hearings, ALJs also preside over oral arguments, rulemaking oral proceedings, arbitrations, public comment proceedings, and procedural conferences/status conferences.

The assigned ALJ makes the substantive recommendations for resolution of a case in the form of a Recommended Opinion and Order (if an evidentiary hearing, rulemaking oral proceeding, or arbitration has been held) or a Recommended Order (if no evidentiary hearing, rulemaking oral proceeding, or arbitration has been held).  The Commission considers each Recommended Opinion and Order/Recommended Order at an Open Meeting.