Rules of Practice

April 2004

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Table of Contents

General Rules

Rule 100. Scope of the Rules of Practice.

(a) Unless provided otherwise, these Rules of Practice govern proceedings before the Commission under the statutes that it administers.

(b) These rules do not apply to:

(1) investigations, except where made specifically applicable by the Rules Relating to Investigations, part 203 of this rule; or

(2) actions taken by the duty officer pursuant to delegated authority under 17 CFR 200.43.

(c) The Commission, upon its determination that to do so would serve the interests of justice and not result in prejudice to the parties to the proceeding, may by order direct, in a particular proceeding, that an alternative procedure shall apply or that compliance with an otherwise applicable rule is unnecessary.

Rule 101. Definitions.

(a) For purposes of these Rules of Practice, unless explicitly stated to the contrary:

(1) Commission means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or a panel of Commissioners constituting a quorum of the Commission, or a single Commissioner acting as duty officer pursuant to 17 CFR 200.43;

(2) counsel means any attorney representing a party or any other person representing a party pursuant to Rule 102(b);

(3) disciplinary proceeding means an action pursuant to Rule 102(e);

(4) enforcement proceeding means an action, initiated by an order instituting proceedings, held for the purpose of determining whether or not a person is about to violate, has violated, has caused a violation of, or has aided or abetted a violation of any statute or rule administered by the Commission, or whether to impose a sanction as defined in Section 551(10) of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 551(10);

(5) hearing officer means an administrative law judge, a panel of Commissioners constituting less than a quorum of the Commission, an individual Commissioner, or any other person duly authorized to preside at a hearing;

(6) interested division means a division or an office assigned primary responsibility by the Commission to participate in a particular proceeding;

(7) order instituting proceedings means an order issued by the Commission commencing a proceeding or an order issued by the Commission to hold a hearing;

(8) party means the interested division, any person named as a respondent in an order instituting proceedings, any applicant named in the caption of any order, persons entitled to notice in a stop order proceeding as set forth in Rule 200(a)(2) or any person seeking Commission review of a decision;

(9) proceeding means any agency process initiated:

(i) by an order instituting proceedings; or

(ii) by the filing, pursuant to Rule 410, of a petition for review of an initial decision by a hearing officer; or

(iii) by the filing, pursuant to Rule 420, of an application for review of a self-regulatory organization determination; or

(iv) by the filing, pursuant to Rule 430, of a notice of intention to file a petition for review of a determination made pursuant to delegated authority; or

(v) by the filing, pursuant to Rule 440, of an application for review of a determination by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; or

(vi) by the filing, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.11Aa3-1(f), of an application for review of an action or failure to act in connection with the implementation or operation of any effective transaction reporting plan; or

(vii) by the filing, pursuant to 17 CFR 240.11Aa3-2(e), of an application for review of an action taken or failure to act in connection with the implementation or operation of any effective national market system plan; or

(viii) by the filing, pursuant to Section 11A(b)(5) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of an application for review of a determination of a registered securities information processor;

(10) Secretary means the Secretary of the Commission;

(11) temporary sanction means a temporary cease-and-desist order or a temporary suspension of the registration of a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer, or transfer agent pending final determination whether the registration shall be revoked; and

(12) Board means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

(b) [Reserved]

Rule 102. Appearance and Practice Before the Commission.

A person shall not be represented before the Commission or a hearing officer except as stated in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this rule or as otherwise permitted by the Commission or a hearing officer.

(a) Representing Oneself. In any proceeding, an individual may appear on his or her own behalf.

(b) Representing Others. In any proceeding, a person may be represented by an attorney at law admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States or the highest court of any State (as defined in Section 3(a)(16) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(16)); a member of a partnership may represent the partnership; a bona fide officer of a corporation, trust or association may represent the corporation, trust or association; and an officer or employee of a state commission or of a department or political subdivision of a state may represent the state commission or the department or political subdivision of the state.

(c) Former Commission Employees. Former employees of the Commission must comply with the restrictions on practice contained in the Commission's Conduct Regulation, Subpart M, 17 CFR 200.735.

(d) Designation of Address for Service; Notice of Appearance; Power of Attorney; Withdrawal.

(1) Representing Oneself. When an individual first makes any filing or otherwise appears on his or her own behalf before the Commission or a hearing officer in a proceeding as defined in Rule 101(a), he or she shall file with the Commission, or otherwise state on the record, and keep current, an address at which any notice or other written communication required to be served upon him or her or furnished to him or her may be sent and a telephone number where he or she may be reached during business hours.

(2) Representing Others. When a person first makes any filing or otherwise appears in a representative capacity before the Commission or a hearing officer in a proceeding as defined in Rule 101(a), that person shall file with the Commission, and keep current, a written notice stating the name of the proceeding; the representative's name, business address and telephone number; and the name and address of the person or persons represented.

(3) Power of Attorney. Any individual appearing or practicing before the Commission in a representative capacity may be required to file a power of attorney with the Commission showing his or her authority to act in such capacity.

(4) Withdrawal. Any person seeking to withdraw his or her appearance in a representative capacity shall file a notice of withdrawal with the Commission or the hearing officer. The notice shall state the name, address, and telephone number of the withdrawing representative; the name, address, and telephone number of the person for whom the appearance was made; and the effective date of the withdrawal. If the person seeking to withdraw knows the name, address, and telephone number of the new representative, or knows that the person for whom the appearance was made intends to represent him- or herself, that information shall be included in the notice. The notice must be served on the parties in accordance with Rule150. The notice shall be filed at least five days before the proposed effective date of the withdrawal.

(e) Suspension and Disbarment.

(1) Generally. The Commission may censure a person or deny, temporarily or permanently, the privilege of appearing or practicing before it in any way to any person who is found by the Commission after notice and opportunity for hearing in the matter:

(i) not to possess the requisite qualifications to represent others; or

(ii) to be lacking in character or integrity or to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct; or

(iii) to have willfully violated, or willfully aided and abetted the violation of any provision of the Federal securities laws or the rules and regulations thereunder.

(iv) with respect to persons licensed to practice as accountants, "improper professional conduct" under Rule 102(e)(1)(ii) means:

(A) intentional or knowing conduct, including reckless conduct, that results in a violation of applicable professional standards; or

(B) either of the following two types of negligent conduct:

(1) a single instance of highly unreasonable conduct that results in a violation of applicable professional standards in circumstances in which an accountant knows, or should know, that heightened scrutiny is warranted.

(2) repeated instances of unreasonable conduct, each resulting in a violation of applicable professional standards, that indicate a lack of competence to practice before the Commission.

(2) Certain Professionals and Convicted Persons. Any attorney who has been suspended or disbarred by a court of the United States or of any State; or any person whose license to practice as an accountant, engineer, or other professional or expert has been revoked or suspended in any State; or any person who has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude shall be forthwith suspended from appearing or practicing before the Commission. A disbarment, suspension, revocation or conviction within the meaning of this rule shall be deemed to have occurred when the disbarring, suspending, revoking or convicting agency or tribunal enters its judgment or order, including a judgment or order on a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether an appeal of such judgment or order is pending or could be taken.

(3) Temporary Suspensions. An order of temporary suspension shall become effective upon service on the respondent. No order of temporary suspension shall be entered by the Commission pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this rule more than 90 days after the date on which the final judgment or order entered in a judicial or administrative proceeding described in paragraph (e)(3)(i)(A) or (e)(3)(i)(B) has become effective, whether upon completion of review or appeal procedures or because further review or appeal procedures are no longer available.

(i) The Commission, with due regard to the public interest and without preliminary hearing, may, by order, temporarily suspend from appearing or practicing before it any attorney, accountant, engineer, or other professional or expert who has been by name:

(A) permanently enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction, by reason of his or her misconduct in an action brought by the Commission, from violating or aiding and abetting the violation of any provision of the Federal securities laws or of the rules and regulations thereunder; or

(B) found by any court of competent jurisdiction in an action brought by the Commission to which he or she is a party or found by the Commission in any administrative proceeding to which he or she is a party to have violated (unless the violation was found not to have been willful) or aided andabetted the violation of any provision of the Federal securities laws or of the rules and regulations thereunder.

(ii) Any person temporarily suspended from appearing and practicing before the Commission in accordance with paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this rule may, within 30 days after service upon him or her of the order of temporary suspension, petition the Commission to lift the temporary suspension. If no petition has been received by the Commission within 30 days after service of the order, the suspension shall become permanent.

(iii) Within 30 days after the filing of a petition in accordance with paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this rule, the Commission shall either lift the temporary suspension, or set the matter down for hearing at a time and place designated by the Commission, or both, and, after opportunity for hearing, may censure the petitioner or disqualify the petitioner from appearing or practicing before the Commission for a period of time or permanently. In every case in which the temporary suspension has not been lifted, every hearing held and other action taken pursuant to this paragraph (e)(3) shall be expedited in accordance with Rule 500. If the hearing is held before a hearing officer, the time limits set forth in Rule 531 will govern review of the hearing officer's initial decision.

(iv) In any hearing held on a petition filed in accordance with paragraph (e)(3)(ii) of this rule, the staff of the Commission shall show either that the petitioner has been enjoined as described in paragraph (e)(3)(i)(A) of this rule or that the petitioner has been found to have committed or aided and abetted violations as described in paragraph (e)(3)(i)(B) of this rule and that showing, without more, may be the basis for censure or disqualification. Once that showing has been made, the burden shall be upon the petitioner to show cause why he or she should not be censured or temporarily or permanently disqualified from appearing and practicing before the Commission. In any such hearing, the petitioner may not contest any finding made against him or her or fact admitted by him or her in the judicial oradministrative proceeding upon which the proceeding under this paragraph (e)(3) is predicated. A person who has consented to the entry of a permanent injunction as described in paragraph (e)(3)(i)(A) of this rule without admitting the facts set forth in the complaint shall be presumed for all purposes under this paragraph (e)(3) to have been enjoined by reason of the misconduct alleged in the complaint.

(4) Filing of Prior Orders. Any person appearing or practicing before the Commission who has been the subject of an order, judgment, decree, or finding as set forth in paragraph (e)(3) of this rule shall promptly file with the Secretary a copy thereof (together with any related opinion or statement of the agency or tribunal involved). Failure to file any such paper, order, judgment, decree or finding shall not impair the operation of any other provision of this rule.

(5) Reinstatement.

(i) An application for reinstatement of a person permanently suspended or disqualified under paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(3) of this rule may be made at any time, and the applicant may, in the Commission's discretion, be afforded a hearing; however, the suspension or disqualification shall continue unless and until the applicant has been reinstated by the Commission for good cause shown.

(ii) Any person suspended under paragraph (e)(2) of this rule shall be reinstated by the Commission, upon appropriate application, if all the grounds for application of the provisions of that paragraph are subsequently removed by a reversal of the conviction or termination of the suspension, disbarment, or revocation. An application for reinstatement on any other grounds by any person suspended under paragraph (e)(2) of this rule may be filed at any time and the applicant shall be accorded an opportunity for a hearing in the matter; however, such suspension shall continue unless and until the applicant has been reinstated by order of the Commission for good cause shown.

(6) Other Proceedings Not Precluded. A proceeding brought under paragraph (e)(1), (e)(2) or (e)(3) of this rule shall not preclude anotherproceeding brought under these same paragraphs.

(7) Public Hearings. All hearings held under this paragraph (e) shall be public unless otherwise ordered by the Commission on its own motion or after considering the motion of a party.

(f) Practice Defined. For the purposes of these Rules of Practice, practicing before the Commission shall include, but shall not be limited to:

(1) transacting any business with the Commission; and

(2) the preparation of any statement, opinion or other paper by any attorney, accountant, engineer or other professional or expert, filed with the Commission in any registration statement, notification, application, report or other document with the consent of such attorney, accountant, engineer or other professional or expert.

Rule 103. Construction of Rules.

(a) The Rules of Practice shall be construed and administered to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every proceeding.

(b) In any particular proceeding, to the extent that there is a conflict between these rules and a procedural requirement contained in any statute, or any rule or form adopted thereunder, the latter shall control.

(c) For purposes of these rules:

(1) any term in the singular includes the plural, and any term in the plural includes the singular, if such use would be appropriate;

(2) any use of a masculine, feminine, or neuter gender encompasses such other genders as would be appropriate; and

(3) unless the context requires otherwise, counsel for a party may take any action required or permitted to be taken by such party.

Rule 104. Business Hours.

The Headquarters office of the Commission, at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, is open each day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal legal holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Saving Time, whichever is currently in effect in Washington, D.C. Federal legal holidays consist of New Year's Day; Birthday of Martin Luther King,Jr.; Presidents Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veterans Day; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day; and any other day appointed as a holiday in Washington, D.C. by the President or the Congress of the United States.

Rule 110. Presiding Officer.

All proceedings shall be presided over by the Commission or, if the Commission so orders, by a hearing officer. When the Commission designates that the hearing officer shall be an administrative law judge, the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall select, pursuant to 17 CFR 200.30-10, the administrative law judge to preside.

Rule 111. Hearing Officer: Authority.

The hearing officer shall have the authority to do all things necessary and appropriate to discharge his or her duties. No provision of these Rules of Practice shall be construed to limit the powers of the hearing officer provided by the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 556, 557. The powers of the hearing officer include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) administering oaths and affirmations;

(b) issuing subpoenas authorized by law and revoking, quashing, or modifying any such subpoena;

(c) receiving relevant evidence and ruling upon the admission of evidence and offers of proof;

(d) regulating the course of a proceeding and the conduct of the parties and their counsel;

(e) holding prehearing and other conferences as set forth in Rule 221 and requiring the attendance at any such conference of at least one representative of each party who has authority to negotiate concerning the resolution of issues in controversy;

(f) recusing himself or herself upon motion made by a party or upon his or her own motion;

(g) ordering, in his or her discretion, in a proceeding involving more than one respondent, that the interested division indicate, on the record, at least one dayprior to the presentation of any evidence, each respondent against whom that evidence will be offered;

(h) subject to any limitations set forth elsewhere in these Rules of Practice, considering and ruling upon all procedural and other motions, including a motion to correct a manifest error of fact in the initial decision, provided that such a motion to correct is filed within ten days of the initial decision;

(i) preparing an initial decision as provided in Rule 360;

(j) upon notice to all parties, reopening any hearing prior to the filing of an initial decision therein, or, if no initial decision is to be filed, prior to the time fixed for the filing of final briefs with the Commission; and

(k) informing the parties as to the availability of one or more alternative means of dispute resolution, and encouraging the use of such methods.

Rule 112. Hearing Officer: Disqualification and Withdrawal.

(a) Notice of Disqualification. At any time a hearing officer believes himself or herself to be disqualified from considering a matter, the hearing officer shall issue a notice stating that he or she is withdrawing from the matter and setting forth the reasons therefor.

(b) Motion for Withdrawal. Any party who has a reasonable, good faith basis to believe that a hearing officer has a personal bias, or is otherwise disqualified from hearing a case, may make a motion to the hearing officer that the hearing officer withdraw. The motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged to constitute grounds for disqualification. If the hearing officer finds himself or herself not disqualified, he or she shall so rule and shall continue to preside over the proceeding.

Rule 120. Ex Parte Communications.

(a) Except to the extent required for the disposition of ex parte matters as authorized by law, the person presiding over an evidentiary hearing may not:

(1) consult a person or party on a fact in issue, unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate; or

(2) be responsible to or subject to the supervision or direction of an employee or agent engaged in the performance of investigative orprosecuting functions for the Commission.

(b) The Commission's code of behavior regarding ex parte communications between persons outside the Commission and decisional employees, 17 CFR 200.110 - 200.114, governs other prohibited communications during a proceeding conducted under the Rules of Practice.

Rule 121. Separation of Functions.

Any Commission officer, employee or agent engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecutorial functions for the Commission in a proceeding as defined in Rule 101(a) may not, in that proceeding or one that is factually related, participate or advise in the decision, or in Commission review of the decision pursuant to Section 557 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 557, except as a witness or counsel in the proceeding.

Rule 140. Commission Orders and Decisions: Signature and Availability.

(a) Signature Required. All orders and decisions of the Commission shall be signed by the Secretary or any other person duly authorized by the Commission.

(b) Availability for Inspection. Each order and decision shall be available for inspection by the public from the date of entry, unless the order or decision is nonpublic. A nonpublic order or decision shall be available for inspection by any person entitled to inspect it from the date of entry.

(c) Date of Entry of Orders. The date of entry of a Commission order shall be the date the order is signed. Such date shall be reflected in the caption of the order, or if there is no caption, in the order itself.

Rule 141. Orders and Decisions: Service of Orders Instituting Proceedings and Other Orders and Decisions.

(a) Service of an Order Instituting Proceedings.

(1) By Whom Made. The Secretary, or another duly authorized officer of the Commission, shall serve a copy of an order instituting proceedings on each person named in the order as a party. The Secretary may direct an interested division to assist in making service.

(2) How Made.

(i) To Individuals. Notice of a proceeding shall be made to an individual by delivering a copy of the order instituting proceedings to the individual or to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive such notice. Delivery means -- handing a copy of the order to the individual; or leaving a copy at the individual's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof; or leaving a copy at the individual's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein; or sending a copy of the order addressed to the individual by U.S. Postal Service certified, registered or Express Mail and obtaining a confirmation of receipt; or giving confirmed telegraphic notice.

(ii) To Corporations or Entities. Notice of a proceeding shall be made to a person other than a natural person by delivering a copy of the order instituting proceedings to an officer, managing or general agent, or any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive such notice, by any method specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this rule.

(iii) Upon Persons Registered with the Commission. In addition to any other method of service specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this rule, notice may be made to a person currently registered with the Commission as a broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer, investment adviser, investment company or transfer agent by sending a copy of the order addressed to the most recent business address shown on the person's registration form by U.S. Postal Service certified, registered or Express Mail and obtaining a confirmation of attempted delivery.

(iv) Upon Persons in a Foreign Country. Notice of a proceeding to a person in a foreign country may be made by any method specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this rule, or by any other method reasonably calculated to give notice, provided that the method of service used is not prohibited by the law of the foreign country.

(v) In Stop Order Proceedings. Notwithstanding any other provision of paragraph (a)(2) of this rule, in proceedings pursuant to Sections 8 or 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77h or 77j, or Sections 305 or 307 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, 15 U.S.C. 77eee or 77ggg, notice of the institution of proceedings shall be made by personal service or confirmed telegraphic notice, or a waiver obtain pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of this rule.

(3) Record of Service. The Secretary shall maintain a record of service on parties (in hard copy or computerized format), identifying the party given notice, the method of service, the date of service, the address to which service was made, and the person who made service. If service is made in person, the certificate of service shall state, if available, the name of the individual to whom the order was given. If service is made by U.S. Postal Service certified or Express Mail, the Secretary shall maintain the confirmation of receipt or of attempted delivery. If service is made to an agent authorized by appointment to receive service, the certificate of service shall be accompanied by evidence of the appointment.

(4) Waiver of Service. In lieu of service as set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this rule, the party may be provided a copy of the order instituting proceedings by first class mail or other reliable means if a waiver of service is obtained from the party and placed in the record.

(b) Service of Orders or Decisions Other Than an Order Instituting Proceedings. Written orders or decisions issued by the Commission or by a hearing officer shall be served promptly on each party pursuant to any method of service authorized under paragraph (a) of this rule or Rule 150(c)(1) - (3). Such orders or decisions may also be served by facsimile transmission if the party to be served has agreed to accept such service in a writing, signed by the party, and has provided the Commission with information concerning the facsimile machine telephone number and hours of facsimile machine operation. Service of orders or decisions by the Commission, including those entered pursuant to delegated authority, shall be made by the Secretary or, as authorized by the Secretary, by a member of an interested division. Service of orders or decisions issued by a hearing officer shall be made by the Secretary or the hearing officer.

Rule 150. Service of Papers by Parties.

(a) When Required. In every proceeding as defined in Rule 101(a), each paper, including each notice of appearance, written motion, brief, or other written communication, shall be served upon each party in the proceeding in accordance with the provisions of this rule; provided, however, that absent an order to the contrary, no service shall be required for motions which may be heard ex parte.

(b) Upon a Person Represented by Counsel. Whenever service is required to be made upon a person represented by counsel who has filed a notice of appearance pursuant to Rule 102, service shall be made pursuant to paragraph (c) of this rule upon counsel, unless service upon the person represented is ordered by the Commission or the hearing officer.

(c) How Made. Service shall be made by delivering a copy of the filing. Delivery means:

(1) personal service -- handing a copy to the person required to be served; or leaving a copy at the person's office with a clerk or other person in charge thereof; or leaving a copy at the person's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein;

(2) mailing the papers through the U.S. Postal Service by first class, certified, registered, or Express Mail delivery addressed to the person; (3) sending the papers through a commercial courier service or express delivery service addressed to the person; or

(4) transmitting the papers by facsimile transmission where the following conditions are met:

(i) the persons so serving each other have provided the Commission and the parties with notice of the facsimile machine telephone number to be used and the hours of facsimile machine operation;

(ii) the transmission is made at such a time that it is received during the Commission's business hours as defined in Rule 104; and

(iii) the sender of the transmission previously has not been served in accordance with Rule 150 with a written notice from the recipient of the transmission declining service by facsimile transmission.

(d) When Service is Complete. Personal service, service by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or service by a commercial courier or express delivery service is complete upon delivery. Service by mail is complete upon mailing. Service by facsimile is complete upon confirmation of transmission by delivery of a manually signed receipt.

Rule 151. Filing of Papers With the Commission: Procedure.

(a) When to File. All papers required to be served by a party upon any person shall be filed contemporaneously with the Commission. Papers required to be filed with the Commission must be received within the time limit, if any, for such filing. Filing with the Commission may be made by facsimile transmission if the party also contemporaneously transmits to the Commission a non-facsimile original with a manual signature. However, any person filing with the Commission by facsimile transmission will be responsible for assuring that the Commission receives a complete and legible filing within the time limit set for such filing.

(b) Where to File. Filing of papers with the Commission shall be made by filing them with the Secretary. When a proceeding is assigned to a hearing officer, a person making a filing with the Secretary shall promptly provide to the hearing officer a copy of any such filing, provided, however, that the hearing officer may direct or permit filings to be made with him or her, in which event the hearing officer shall note thereon the filing date and promptly provide the Secretary with either the original or a copy of any such filings.

(c) To Whom to Direct the Filing. Unless otherwise provided, where the Commission has assigned a case to a hearing officer, all motions, objections, applications or other filings made during a proceeding prior to the filing of an initial decision therein, or, if no initial decision is to be filed, prior to the time fixed for the filing of briefs with the Commission, shall be directed to and decided by the hearing officer.

(d) Certificate of Service. Papers filed with the Commission or a hearing officer shall be accompanied by a certificate stating the name of the person orpersons served, the date of service, the method of service and the mailing address or facsimile telephone number to which service was made, if not made in person. If the method of service to any party is different from the method of service to any other party or the method for filing with the Commission, the certificate shall state why a different means of service was used.

Rule 152. Filing of Papers: Form.

(a) Specifications. Papers filed in connection with any proceeding as defined in Rule 101(a) shall:

(1) be on one grade of unglazed white paper measuring 8½ x 11 inches, except that, to the extent that the reduction of larger documents would render them illegible, such documents may be filed on larger paper;

(2) be typewritten or printed in 12-point or larger typeface or otherwise reproduced by a process that produces permanent and plainly legible copies;

(3) include at the head of the paper, or on a title page, the name of the Commission, the title of the proceeding, the names of the parties, the subject of the particular paper or pleading, and the file number assigned to the proceeding;

(4) be paginated with left hand margins at least 1 inch wide, and other margins of at least 1 inch;

(5) be double-spaced, with single-spaced footnotes and single-spaced indented quotations; and

(6) be stapled, clipped or otherwise fastened in the upper left corner.

(b) Signature Required. All papers must be dated and signed as provided in Rule 153.

(c) Suitability for Recordkeeping. Documents which, in the opinion of the Commission, are not suitable for computer scanning or microfilming may be rejected.

(d) Number of Copies. An original and three copies of all papers shall be filed.

(e) Form of Briefs. All briefs containing more than 10 pages shallinclude a table of contents, an alphabetized table of cases, a table of statutes, and a table of other authorities cited, with references to the pages of the brief wherein they are cited.

(f) Scandalous or Impertinent Matter. Any scandalous or impertinent matter contained in any brief or pleading or in connection with any oral presentation in a proceeding may be stricken on order of the Commission or the hearing officer.

Rule 153. Filing of Papers: Signature Requirement and Effect.

(a) General Requirements. Following the issuance of an order instituting proceedings, every filing of a party represented by counsel shall be signed by at least one counsel of record in his or her name and shall state that counsel's business address and telephone number. A party who acts as his or her own counsel shall sign his or her individual name and state his or her address and telephone number on every filing.

(b) Effect of Signature.

(1) The signature of a counsel or party shall constitute a certification that:

(i) the person signing the filing has read the filing;

(ii) to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, formed after reasonable inquiry, the filing is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; and

(iii) the filing is not made for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of adjudication.

(2) If a filing is not signed, the hearing officer or the Commission shall strike the filing, unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the person making the filing.

Rule 154. Motions.

(a) Generally. Unless made during a hearing or conference, a motion shall be in writing, shall state with particularity the grounds therefor, shall set forth the relief or order sought, and shall be accompanied by a written brief of the points and authorities relied upon. All written motions shall be served in accordance with Rule 150, be filed in accordance with Rule 151, meet the requirements of Rule 152, and be signed in accordance with Rule 153. The Commission or the hearing officer may order that an oral motion be submitted in writing. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission or the hearing officer, if a motion is properly made to the Commission concerning a proceeding to which a hearing officer is assigned, the proceeding before the hearing officer shall continue pending the determination of the motion by the Commission. No oral argument shall be heard on any motion unless the Commission or the hearing officer otherwise directs.

(b) Opposing and Reply Briefs. Except as provided in Rule 401, briefs in opposition to a motion shall be filed within five days after service of the motion. Reply briefs shall be filed within three days after service of the opposition.

(c) Length Limitation. A motion, together with the brief in support of the motion, the brief in opposition to the motion, or any reply brief, shall not exceed 15 pages, exclusive of pages containing any table of contents or table of authorities. The page limit shall not apply to any addendum that consists solely of copies of applicable cases, pertinent legislative provisions or rules, or relevant exhibits. Requests for leave to file motions and briefs in excess of 15 pages are disfavored.

Rule 155. Default; Motion to Set Aside Default.

(a) A party to a proceeding may be deemed to be in default and the Commission or the hearing officer may determine the proceeding against that party upon consideration of the record, including the order instituting proceedings, the allegations of which may be deemed to be true, if that party fails:

(1) to appear, in person or through a representative, at a hearing or conference of which that party has been notified;

(2) to answer, to respond to a dispositive motion within the time provided, or otherwise to defend the proceeding; or

(3) to cure a deficient filing within the time specified by the Commission or the hearing officer pursuant to Rule 180(b).

(b) A motion to set aside a default shall be made within a reasonable time, state the reasons for the failure to appear or defend, and specify the nature of the proposed defense in the proceeding. In order to prevent injustice and on such conditions as may be appropriate, the hearing officer, at any time prior to the filing of the initial decision, or the Commission, at any time, may for good cause shown set aside a default.

Rule 160. Time Computation.

(a) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed in or allowed by these Rules of Practice or by order of the Commission, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal legal holiday (as defined in Rule 104), in which event the period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal legal holiday. Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal legal holidays shall be excluded from the computation when the period of time prescribed or allowed is seven days or less, not including any additional time allowed for service by mail in paragraph (b) of this rule. If on the day a filing is to be made, weather or other conditions have caused the Secretary's office or other designated filing location to close, the filing deadline shall be extended to the end of the next day that is neither a Saturday, a Sunday, nor a Federal legal holiday.

(b) Additional Time for Service by Mail. If service is made by mail, three days shall be added to the prescribed period for response unless an order of the Commission or the hearing officer specifies a date certain for filing. In the event that an order of the Commission or the hearing officer specifies a date certain for filing, no time shall be added for service by mail.

Rule 161. Extensions of Time, Postponements and Adjournments.

(a) Availability. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Commission, at any time, or the hearing officer, at any time prior to the filing of his or her initial decision or, if no initial decision is to be filed, at any time prior to the closing ofthe record, may, for good cause shown, extend or shorten any time limits prescribed by these Rules of Practice for the filing of any papers and may, consistent with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this rule, postpone or adjourn any hearing.

(b) Considerations in Determining Whether to Extend Time Limits or Grant Postponements, Adjournments and Extensions.

(1) In considering all motions or requests pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this rule, the Commission or the hearing officer should adhere to a policy of strongly disfavoring such requests, except in circumstances where the requesting party makes a strong showing that the denial of the request or motion would substantially prejudice their case. In determining whether to grant any requests, the Commission or hearing officer shall consider, in addition to any other relevant factors:

(i) the length of the proceeding to date;

(ii) the number of postponements, adjournments or extensions already granted;

(iii) the stage of the proceedings at the time of the request;

(iv) the impact of the request on the hearing officer's ability to complete the proceeding in the time specified by the Commission; and

(v) any other such matters as justice may require.

(2) To the extent that the Commission has chosen a timeline under which the hearing would occur beyond the statutory 60-day deadline, this policy of strongly disfavoring requests for postponement will not apply to a request by a respondent to postpone commencement of a cease-and-desist proceeding hearing beyond the statutory 60-day period.

(c) (1) Time Limit. Postponements, adjournments or extensions of time for filing papers shall not exceed 21 days unless the Commission or the hearing officer states on the record or sets forth in a written order the reasons why a longer period of time is necessary.

(2) Stay Pending Commission Consideration of Offers of Settlement.

(i) If the Commission staff and one or more respondents in the proceeding file a joint motion notifying the hearing officer that they have agreed in principle to a settlement on all major terms, then thehearing officer shall stay the proceeding as to the settling respondent(s), or in the discretion of the hearing officer as to all respondents, pending completion of Commission consideration of the settlement offer. Any such stay will be contingent upon:

(A) the settling respondent(s) submitting to the Commission staff, within 15 business days of the stay, a signed offer of settlement in conformance with Rule 240; and

(B) within 20 business days of receipt of the signed offer, the staff submitting the settlement offer and accompanying recommendation to the Commission for consideration.

(ii) If the parties fail to meet either of these deadlines or if the Commission rejects the offer of settlement, the hearing officer must be promptly notified and, upon notification of the hearing officer, the stay shall lapse and the proceeding will continue. In the circumstance where:

(A) a hearing officer has granted a stay because the parties have "agreed in principle to a settlement;"

(B) the agreement in principle does not materialize into a signed settlement offer within 15 business days of the stay; and

(C) the stay lapses, the hearing officer will not be required to grant another stay related to the settlement process until both parties have notified the hearing officer in writing that a signed settlement offer has been prepared, received by the Commission's staff, and will be submitted to the Commission.

(iii) The granting of any stay pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall not affect any deadline set pursuant to Rule 360.

Rule 180. Sanctions.

(a) Contemptuous Conduct.

(1) Subject to Exclusion or Suspension. Contemptuous conduct by any person before the Commission or a hearing officer during any proceeding, including any conference, shall be grounds for the Commission or the hearing officer to:

(i) exclude that person from such hearing or conference, or any portion thereof; and/or

(ii) summarily suspend that person from representing others in the proceeding in which such conduct occurred for the duration, or any portion, of the proceeding.

(2) Review Procedure. A person excluded from a hearing or conference, or a counsel summarily suspended from practice for the duration or any portion of a proceeding, may seek review of the exclusion or suspension by filing with the Commission, within three days of the exclusion or suspension order, a motion to vacate the order. The Commission shall consider such motion on an expedited basis as provided in Rule 500.

(3) Adjournment. Upon motion by a party represented by counsel subject to an order of exclusion or suspension, an adjournment shall be granted to allow the retention of new counsel. In determining the length of an adjournment, the Commission or hearing officer shall consider, in addition to the factors set forth in Rule 161, the availability of co-counsel for the party or of other members of a suspended counsel's firm.

(b) Deficient Filings; Leave to Cure Deficiencies. The Commission or the hearing officer may reject, in whole or in part, any filing that fails to comply with any requirements of these Rules of Practice or of any order issued in the proceeding in which the filing was made. Any such filings shall not be part of the record. The Commission or the hearing officer may direct a party to cure any deficiencies and to resubmit the filing within a fixed time period.

(c) Failure to Make Required Filing or to Cure Deficient Filing. The Commission or the hearing officer may enter a default pursuant to Rule 155, dismiss the case, decide the particular matter at issue against that person, or prohibit the introduction of evidence or exclude testimony concerning that matter if a person fails:

(1) to make a filing required under these Rules of Practice; or

(2) to cure a deficient filing within the time specified by the Commission or the hearing officer pursuant to paragraph (b) of this rule.

Rule 190. Confidential Treatment of Information in Certain Filings.

(a) Application. An application for confidential treatment pursuant to the provisions of Clause 30 of Schedule A of the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77aa(30), and Rule 406 thereunder, 17 CFR 230.406; Section 24(b)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78x(b)(2), and Rule 24b-2 thereunder, 17 CFR 240.24b-2; Section 22(b) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, 15 U.S.C. 79v(b), and Rule 104 thereunder, 17 CFR 250.104; Section 45(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-44(a), and Rule 45a-1 thereunder, 17 CFR 270.45a-1; or Section 210(a) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80b-10(a), shall be filed with the Secretary. The application shall be accompanied by a sealed copy of the materials as to which confidential treatment is sought.

(b) Procedure For Supplying Additional Information. The applicant may be required to furnish in writing additional information with respect to the grounds for objection to public disclosure. Failure to supply the information so requested within 14 days from the date of receipt by the applicant of a notice of the information required shall be deemed a waiver of the objection to public disclosure of that portion of the information to which the additional information relates, unless the Commission or the hearing officer shall otherwise order for good cause shown at or before the expiration of such 14-day period.

(c) Confidentiality of Materials Pending Final Decision. Pending the determination of the application for confidential treatment, transcripts, non-final orders including an initial decision, if any, and other materials in connection with the application shall be placed under seal; shall be for the confidential use only of the hearing officer, the Commission, the applicant, and any other parties and counsel; and shall be made available to the public only in accordance with orders of the Commission.

(d) Public Availability of Orders. Any final order of the Commission denying or sustaining an application for confidential treatment shall be made public. Any prior findings or opinions relating to an application for confidential treatment under this rule shall be made public at such time as the material as to which confidentiality was requested is made public.

Rule 191. Adjudications Not Required to Be Determined on the Record After Notice and Opportunity for Hearing.

(a) Scope of the Rule. This rule applies to every case of adjudication, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 551, pursuant to any statute which the Commission administers, where adjudication is not required to be determined on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing and which the Commission has not chosen to determine on the record after notice and opportunity for hearing.

(b) Procedure. In every case of adjudication under paragraph (a) of this rule, the Commission shall (1) give prompt notice of any adverse action or final disposition to any person who has requested the Commission to make (or not to make) any such adjudication, and (2) furnish to any such person a written statement of reasons therefor. Additional procedures may be specified in rules relating to specific types of such adjudications. Where any such rule provides for the publication of a Commission order, notice of the action or disposition shall be deemed to be given by such publication.

(c) Contents of the Record. If the Commission provides notice and opportunity for the submission of written comments by parties to the adjudication or, as the case may be, by other interested persons, written comments received on or before the closing date for comments, unless accorded confidential treatment pursuant to statute or rule of the Commission, become a part of the record of the adjudication. The Commission, in its discretion, may accept and include in the record written comments filed with the Commission after the closing date.

Rule 192. Rulemaking: Issuance, Amendment and Repeal of Rules of General Application.

(a) By Petition. Any person desiring the issuance, amendment or repeal of a rule of general application may file a petition therefor with the Secretary. Such petition shall include a statement setting forth the text or the substance of any proposed rule or amendment desired or specifying the rule the repeal of which is desired, and stating the nature of his or her interest and his or her reasons for seeking the issuance, amendment or repeal of the rule. The Secretary shall acknowledge, in writing, receipt of the petition and refer it to the appropriatedivision or office for consideration and recommendation. Such recommendations shall be transmitted with the petition to the Commission for such action as the Commission deems appropriate. The Secretary shall notify the petitioner of the action taken by the Commission.

(b) Notice of Proposed Issuance, Amendment or Repeal of Rules. Except where the Commission finds that notice and public procedure are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, whenever the Commission proposes to issue, amend, or repeal any rule or regulation of general application other than an interpretive rule; general statement of policy; or rule of agency organization, procedure, or practice; or any matter relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts, there shall first be published in the Federal Register a notice of the proposed action. Such notice shall include:

(1) a statement of the time, place, and nature of the rulemaking proceeding, with particular reference to the manner in which interested persons shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in such proceeding;

(2) reference to the authority under which the rule is proposed; and

(3) the terms or substance of the proposed rule or a description of the subjects and issues involved.

Rule 193. Applications by Barred Individuals For Consent to Associate.

Preliminary Note

This rule governs applications to the Commission by certain persons, barred by Commission order from association with brokers, dealers, municipal securities dealers, government securities brokers, government securities dealers, investment advisers, investment companies or transfer agents, for consent to become so associated. Applications made pursuant to this rule must show that the proposed association would be consistent with the public interest. In addition to the information specifically required by the rule, applications should be supplemented, where appropriate, by written statements of individuals (other than the applicant) who are competent to attest to the applicant's character, employment performance, and other relevant information. Intentional misstatements or omissions of fact may constitute criminal violations of 18 U.S.C. 1001, et seq. and other provisions oflaw.

The nature of the supervision that an applicant will receive or exercise as an associated person with a registered entity is an important matter bearing upon the public interest. In meeting the burden of showing that the proposed association is consistent with the public interest, the application and supporting documentation must demonstrate that the proposed supervision, procedures, or terms and conditions of employment are reasonably designed to prevent a recurrence of the conduct that led to imposition of the bar. As an associated person, the applicant will be limited to association in a specified capacity with a particular registered entity and may also be subject to specific terms and conditions.

Normally, the applicant's burden of demonstrating that the proposed association is consistent with the public interest will be difficult to meet where the applicant is to be supervised by, or is to supervise, another barred individual. In addition, where an applicant wishes to become the sole proprietor of a registered entity and thus is seeking Commission consent notwithstanding an absence of supervision, the applicant's burden will be difficult to meet.

In addition to the factors set forth in paragraph (d) of this rule, the Commission will consider the nature of the findings that resulted in the bar when making its determination as to whether the proposed association is consistent with the public interest. In this regard, attention is directed to Rule 5(e) of the Commission's Rules on Informal and Other Procedures, 17 CFR 202.5(e). Among other things, Rule 5(e) sets forth the Commission's policy "not to permit a . . . respondent [in an administrative proceeding] to consent to . . . [an] order that imposes a sanction while denying the allegations in the . . . order for proceedings." Consistent with the rationale underlying that policy, and in order to avoid the appearance that an application made pursuant to this rule was granted on the basis of such denial, the Commission will not consider any application that attempts to reargue or collaterally attack the findings that resulted in the Commission's bar order.

(a) Scope of Rule. Applications for Commission consent to associate, or to change the terms and conditions of association, with a registered broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker, government securities dealer, investment adviser, investment company or transfer agent may be madepursuant to this rule where a Commission order bars the individual from association with a registered entity and:

(1) such barred individual seeks to become associated with an entity that is not a member of a self-regulatory organization; or

(2) the order contains a proviso that application may be made to the Commission after a specified period of time.

(b) Form of Application. Each application shall be supported by an affidavit, manually signed by the applicant, that addresses the factors set forth in paragraph (d) of this rule. One original and three copies of the application shall be filed pursuant to Rules 151, 152 and 153. Each application shall include as exhibits:

(1) a copy of the Commission order imposing the bar;

(2) an undertaking by the applicant to notify immediately the Commission in writing if any information submitted in support of the application becomes materially false or misleading while the application is pending;

(3) the following forms, as appropriate:

(i) a copy of a completed Form U-4, where the applicant's proposed association is with a broker-dealer or municipal securities dealer;

(ii) a copy of a completed Form MSD-4, where the applicant's proposed association is with a bank municipal securities dealer;

(iii) the information required by Form ADV, 17 CFR 279.1, with respect to the applicant, where the applicant's proposed association is with an investment adviser;

(iv) the information required by Form TA-1, 17 CFR 249b.100, with respect to the applicant, where the applicant's proposed association is with a transfer agent; and

(4) a written statement by the proposed employer that describes:

(i) the terms and conditions of employment and supervision to be exercised over such applicant and, where applicable, by such applicant;

(ii) the qualifications, experience, and disciplinary records of the proposed supervisor(s) of the applicant;

(iii) the compliance and disciplinary history, during the two years preceding the filing of the application, of the office in which the applicant will be employed; and

(iv) the names of any other associated persons in the same office who have previously been barred by the Commission, and whether they are to be supervised by the applicant.

(c) Required Showing. The applicant shall make a showing satisfactory to the Commission that the proposed association would be consistent with the public interest.

(d) Factors to be Addressed. The affidavit required by paragraph (b) of this rule shall address each of the following:

(1) the time period since the imposition of the bar;

(2) any restitution or similar action taken by the applicant to recompense any person injured by the misconduct that resulted in the bar;

(3) the applicant's compliance with the order imposing the bar;

(4) the applicant's employment during the period subsequent to imposition of the bar;

(5) the capacity or position in which the applicant proposes to be associated;

(6) the manner and extent of supervision to be exercised over such applicant and, where applicable, by such applicant;

(7) any relevant courses, seminars, examinations or other actions completed by the applicant subsequent to imposition of the bar to prepare for his or her return to the securities business; and

(8) any other information material to the application.

(e) Notification to Applicant and Written Statement. In the event an adverse recommendation is proposed by the staff with respect to an application made pursuant to this rule, the applicant shall be so advised and provided with a written statement of the reasons for such recommendation. The applicant shall then have 30 days to submit a written statement in response.

(f) Concurrent Applications. The Commission will not consider anyapplication submitted pursuant to this rule if any other application for consent to associate concerning the same applicant is pending before any self-regulatory organization.

Initiation of Proceedings and Prehearing Rules

Rule 200. Initiation of Proceedings.

(a) Order Instituting Proceedings: Notice and Opportunity For Hearing.

(1) Generally. Whenever an order instituting proceedings is issued by the Commission, appropriate notice thereof shall be given to each party to the proceeding by the Secretary or another duly designated officer of the Commission. Each party shall be given notice of any hearing within a time reasonable in light of the circumstances, in advance of the hearing; provided, however, no prior notice need be given to a respondent if the Commission has authorized the Division of Enforcement to seek a temporary sanction ex parte.

(2) Stop Order Proceedings: Additional Persons Entitled to Notice. Any notice of a proceeding relating to the issuance of a stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Securities Act of 1933, 15 U.S.C. 77h(d), shall be sent to or served on the issuer; or, in the case of a foreign government or political subdivision thereof, sent to or served on the underwriter; or, in the case of a foreign or territorial person, sent to or served on its duly authorized representative in the United States named in the registration statement, properly directed in the case of telegraphic notice to the address given in such statement. In addition, if such proceeding is commenced within 90 days after the registration statement has become effective, notice of the proceeding shall be given to the agent for service named on the facing sheet of the registration statement and to each other person designated on the facing sheet of the registration statement as a person to whom copies of communications to such agent are to be sent.

(b) Content of Order. The order instituting proceedings shall:

(1) state the nature of any hearing;

(2) state the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;

(3) contain a short and plain statement of the matters of fact and law to be considered and determined, unless the order directs an answer pursuant to Rule 220 in which case the order shall set forth the factual and legal basis alleged therefor in such detail as will permit a specific response thereto; and

(4) state the nature of any relief or action sought or taken.

(c) Time and Place of Hearing. The time and place for any hearing shall be fixed with due regard for the public interest and the convenience and necessity of the parties, other participants, or their representatives.

(d) Amendment to Order Instituting Proceedings.

(1) By the Commission. Upon motion by a party, the Commission may, at any time, amend an order instituting proceedings to include new matters of fact or law.

(2) By the Hearing Officer. Upon motion by a party, the hearing officer may, at any time prior to the filing of an initial decision or, if no initial decision is to be filed, prior to the time fixed for the filing of final briefs with the Commission, amend an order instituting proceedings to include new matters of fact or law that are within the scope of the original order instituting proceedings.

(e) Publication of Notice of Public Hearings. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, notice of any public hearing shall be given general circulation by release to the public, by publication in the SEC News Digest and, where directed, by publication in the Federal Register.

Rule 201. Consolidation and Severance of Proceedings.

(a) Consolidation. By order of the Commission or a hearing officer, proceedings involving a common question of law or fact may be consolidated for hearing of any or all the matters at issue in such proceedings. The Commission or the hearing officer may make such orders concerning the conduct of such proceedings as it deems appropriate to avoid unnecessary cost or delay. Consolidation shall not prejudice any rights under these Rules of Practice and shallnot affect the right of any party to raise issues that could have been raised if consolidation had not occurred. For purposes of this rule, no distinction is made between joinder and consolidation of proceedings.

(b) Severance. By order of the Commission, any proceeding may be severed with respect to some or all parties. Any motion to sever must be made solely to the Commission and must include a representation that a settlement offer is pending before the Commission or otherwise show good cause.

Rule 202. Specification of Procedures by Parties in Certain Proceedings.

(a) Motion to Specify Procedures. In any proceeding other than an enforcement or disciplinary proceeding, a proceeding to review a determination by a self-regulatory organization pursuant to Rules 420 and 421, or a proceeding to review a determination of the Board pursuant to Rules 440 and 441, a party may, at any time up to 20 days prior to the start of a hearing, make a motion to specify the procedures necessary or appropriate for the proceeding with particular reference to:

(1) whether there should be an initial decision by a hearing officer;

(2) whether any interested division of the Commission may assist in the preparation of the Commission's decision; and

(3) whether there should be a 30-day waiting period between the issuance of the Commission's order and the date it is to become effective.

(b) Objections; Effect of Failure to Object. Any other party may object to the procedures so specified, and such party may specify such additional procedures as it considers necessary or appropriate. In the absence of such objection or such specification of additional procedures, such other party may be deemed to have waived objection to the specified procedures.

(c) Approval Required. Any proposal pursuant to paragraph (a) of this rule, even if not objected to by any party, shall be subject to the written approval of the hearing officer.

(d) Procedure Upon Agreement to Waive an Initial Decision. If an initial decision is waived pursuant to paragraph (a) of this rule, the hearing officer shall notify the Secretary and, unless the Commission directs otherwise within 14 days, no initial decision shall be issued.

Rule 210. Parties, Limited Participants and Amici Curiae.

(a) Parties in an Enforcement or Disciplinary Proceeding, a Proceeding to Review a Self-Regulatory Organization Determination, or a Proceeding to Review a Board Determination.

(1) Generally. No person shall be granted leave to become a party or a non-party participant on a limited basis in an enforcement or disciplinary proceeding, a proceeding to review a determination by a self-regulatory organization pursuant to Rules 420 and 421, or a proceeding to review a determination by the Board pursuant to Rules 440 and 441, except as authorized by paragraph (c) of this rule.

(2) Disgorgement Proceedings. In an enforcement proceeding, a person may state his or her views with respect to a proposed plan of disgorgement or file a proof of claim pursuant to Rule 612.

(b) Intervention as a Party.

(1) Generally. In any proceeding, other than an enforcement proceeding, a disciplinary proceeding, a proceeding to review a self-regulatory determination, or a proceeding to review a Board determination, any person may seek leave to intervene as a party by filing a motion setting forth the person's interest in the proceeding:

(i) in a proceeding under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, any representative of interested consumers or security holders, or any other person whose participation in the proceeding may be in the public interest or for the protection of investors or consumers, may be admitted as a party upon the filing of a written motion setting forth the person's interest in the proceeding.

(ii) in a proceeding under the Investment Company Act of 1940, any representative of interested security holders, or any other person whose participation in the proceeding may be in the public interest or for the protection of investors, may be admitted as a party upon the filing of a written motion setting forth the person's interest in the proceeding.

(2) Intervention as of Right.

(i) in proceedings under the Public Utility Holding CompanyAct of 1935, any interested representative, agency, authority or instrumentality of the United States or any interested State, State commission, municipality or other political subdivision of a state shall be admitted as a party to any proceeding upon the filing of a written motion requesting leave to be admitted.

(ii) in proceedings under the Investment Company Act of 1940, any interested State or State agency shall be admitted as a party to any proceeding upon the filing of a written motion requesting leave to be admitted.

(c) Leave to Participate on a Limited Basis. In any proceeding, other than an enforcement proceeding, a disciplinary proceeding, a proceeding to review a self-regulatory determination, or a proceeding to review a Board determination, any person may seek leave to participate on a limited basis as a non-party participant as to any matter affecting the person's interests:

(1) Procedure. Motions for leave to participate shall be in writing, shall set forth the nature and extent of the movant's interest in the proceeding, and, except where good cause for late filing is shown, shall be filed not later than 20 days prior to the date fixed for the commencement of the hearing. Leave to participate pursuant to this paragraph (c) may include such rights of a party as the hearing officer may deem appropriate. Persons granted leave to participate shall be served in accordance with Rule 150; provided, however, that a party to the proceeding may move that the extent of notice of filings or other papers to be provided to persons granted leave to participate be limited, or may move that the persons granted leave to participate bear the cost of being provided copies of any or all filings or other papers. Persons granted leave to participate shall be bound, except as may be otherwise determined by the hearing officer, by any stipulation between the parties to the proceeding with respect to procedure, including submission of evidence, substitution of exhibits, corrections of the record, the time within which briefs or exceptions may be filed or proposed findings and conclusions may be submitted, the filing of initial decisions, the procedure to be followed in the preparation of decisions and the effective date of the Commission's order in the case. Where the filing of briefs or exceptions or the submission of proposed findings andconclusions are waived by the parties to the proceedings, a person granted leave to participate pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall not be permitted to file a brief or exceptions or submit proposed findings and conclusions except by leave of the Commission or of the hearing officer.

(2) Certain Persons Entitled to Leave to Participate. The hearing officer is directed to grant leave to participate under this paragraph (c) to any person to whom it is proposed to issue any security in exchange for one or more bona fide outstanding securities, claims or property interests, or partly in such exchange and partly for cash, where the Commission is authorized to approve the terms and conditions of such issuance and exchange after a hearing upon the fairness of such terms and conditions.

(3) Leave to Participate in Certain Commission Proceedings by a Representative of the United States Department of Justice, a United States Attorney's Office, or a Criminal Prosecutorial Authority of any State or any Other Political Subdivision of a State. The Commission or the hearing officer may grant leave to participate on a limited basis to an authorized representative of the United States Department of Justice, an authorized representative of a United States Attorney, or an authorized representative of any criminal prosecutorial authority of any State or any other political subdivision of a State for the purpose of requesting a stay during the pendency of a criminal investigation or prosecution arising out of the same or similar facts that are at issue in the pending Commission enforcement or disciplinary proceeding. Upon a showing that such a stay is in the public interest or for the protection of investors, the motion for stay shall be favored. A stay granted under this paragraph (c)(3) may be granted for such a period and upon such conditions as the Commission or the hearing officer deems appropriate.

(d) Amicus Participation.

(1) Availability. An amicus brief may be filed only if:

(i) a motion for leave to file the brief has been granted;

(ii) the brief is accompanied by written consent of all parties;

(iii) the brief is filed at the request of the Commission or the hearing officer; or

(iv) the brief is presented by the United States or an officer or agency thereof, or by a State, Territory or Commonwealth.

(2) Procedure. An amicus brief may be filed conditionally with the motion for leave. The motion for leave shall identify the interest of the movant and shall state the reasons why a brief of an amicus curiae is desirable. Except as all parties otherwise consent, any amicus curiae shall file its brief within the time allowed the party whose position the amicus will support, unless the Commission or hearing officer, for cause shown, grants leave for a later filing. In the event that a later filing is allowed, the order granting leave to file shall specify when an opposing party may reply to the brief. A motion of an amicus curiae to participate in oral argument will be granted only for extraordinary reasons.

(e) Permission to State Views. Any person may make a motion seeking leave to file a memorandum or make an oral statement of his or her views. Any such communication may be included in the record; provided, however, that unless offered and admitted as evidence of the truth of the statements therein made, any assertions of fact submitted pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph (e) will be considered only to the extent that the statements therein made are otherwise supported by the record.

(f) Modification of Participation Provisions. The Commission or the hearing officer may, by order, modify the provisions of this rule which would otherwise be applicable, and may impose such terms and conditions on the participation of any person in any proceeding as it may deem necessary or appropriate in the public interest.

Rule 220. Answer to Allegations.

(a) When Required. In its order instituting proceedings, the Commission may require any party to file an answer to each of the allegations contained therein. Even if not so ordered, any party in any proceeding may elect to file an answer. Any other person granted leave by the Commission or the hearing officer to participate on a limited basis in such proceedings pursuant to Rule 210(c) may be required to file an answer.

(b) When to File. Except where a different period is provided by rule orby order, a party required to file an answer as provided in paragraph (a) of this rule shall do so within 20 days after service upon the party of the order instituting proceedings. Persons granted leave to participate on a limited basis in the proceeding pursuant to Rule 210(c) may file an answer within a reasonable time, as determined by the Commission or the hearing officer. If the order instituting proceedings is amended, the Commission or the hearing officer may require that an amended answer be filed and, if such an answer is required, shall specify a date for the filing thereof.

(c) Contents; Effect of Failure to Deny. Unless otherwise directed by the hearing officer or the Commission, an answer shall specifically admit, deny, or state that the party does not have, and is unable to obtain, sufficient information to admit or deny each allegation in the order instituting proceedings. When a party intends in good faith to deny only a part of an allegation, the party shall specify so much of it as is true and shall deny only the remainder. A statement of a lack of information shall have the effect of a denial. A defense of res judicata, statute of limitations or any other matter constituting an affirmative defense shall be asserted in the answer. Any allegation not denied shall be deemed admitted.

(d) Motion for More Definite Statement. A party may file with an answer a motion for a more definite statement of specified matters of fact or law to be considered or determined. Such motion shall state the respects in which, and the reasons why, each such matter of fact or law should be required to be made more definite. If the motion is granted, the order granting such motion shall set the periods for filing such a statement and any answer thereto.

(e) Amendments. A party may amend its answer at any time by written consent of each adverse party or with leave of the Commission or the hearing officer. Leave shall be freely granted when justice so requires.

(f) Failure to File Answer: Default. If a party respondent fails to file an answer required by this rule within the time provided, such person may be deemed in default pursuant to Rule 155(a). A party may make a motion to set aside a default pursuant to Rule 155(b).

Rule 221. Prehearing Conference.

(a) Purposes of Conference. The purposes of a prehearing conferenceinclude, but are not limited to:

(1) expediting the disposition of the proceeding;

(2) establishing early and continuing control of the proceeding by the hearing officer; and

(3) improving the quality of the hearing through more thorough preparation.

(b) Procedure. On his or her own motion or at the request of a party, the hearing officer may, in his or her discretion, direct counsel or any party to meet for an initial, final or other prehearing conference. Such conferences may be held with or without the hearing officer present as the hearing officer deems appropriate. Where such a conference is held outside the presence of the hearing officer, the hearing officer shall be advised promptly by the parties of any agreements reached. Such conferences also may be held with one or more persons participating by telephone or other remote means.

(c) Subjects to be Discussed. At a prehearing conference consideration may be given and action taken with respect to any and all of the following:

(1) simplification and clarification of the issues;

(2) exchange of witness and exhibit lists and copies of exhibits;

(3) stipulations, admissions of fact, and stipulations concerning the contents, authenticity, or admissibility into evidence of documents;

(4) matters of which official notice may be taken;

(5) the schedule for exchanging prehearing motions or briefs, if any;

(6) the method of service for papers other than Commission orders;

(7) summary disposition of any or all issues;

(8) settlement of any or all issues;

(9) determination of hearing dates;

(10) amendments to the order instituting proceedings or answers thereto;

(11) production of documents as set forth in Rule 230, and prehearing production of documents in response to subpoenas duces tecum as set forth in Rule 232;

(12) specification of procedures as set forth in Rule 202; and

(13) such other matters as may aid in the orderly and expeditiousdisposition of the proceeding.

(d) Required Prehearing Conference. Except where the emergency nature of a proceeding would make a prehearing conference clearly inappropriate, at least one prehearing conference should be held.

(e) Prehearing Orders. At or following the conclusion of any conference held pursuant to this rule, the hearing officer shall enter a ruling or order which recites the agreements reached and any procedural determinations made by the hearing officer.

(f) Failure to Appear: Default. Any person who is named in an order instituting proceedings as a person against whom findings may be made or sanctions imposed and who fails to appear, in person or through a representative, at a prehearing conference of which he or she has been duly notified may be deemed in default pursuant to Rule 155(a). A party may make a motion to set aside a default pursuant to Rule 155(b).

Rule 222. Prehearing Submissions.

(a) Submissions Generally. The hearing officer, on his or her own motion, or at the request of a party or other participant, may order any party, including the interested division, to furnish such information as deemed appropriate, including any or all of the following:

(1) an outline or narrative summary of its case or defense;

(2) the legal theories upon which it will rely;

(3) copies and a list of documents that it intends to introduce at the hearing; and

(4) a list of witnesses who will testify on its behalf, including the witnesses' names, occupations, addresses and a brief summary of their expected testimony.

(b) Expert Witnesses. Each party who intends to call an expert witness shall submit, in addition to the information required by paragraph (a)(4) of this rule, a statement of the expert's qualifications, a listing of other proceedings in which the expert has given expert testimony, and a list of publications authored or co-authored by the expert.

Rule 230. Enforcement and Disciplinary Proceedings: Availability of Documents for Inspection and Copying.

For purposes of this rule, the term documents shall include writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, recordings and other data compilations, including data stored by computer, from which information can be obtained.

(a) Documents to be Available for Inspection and Copying.

(1) Unless otherwise provided by this rule, or by order of the Commission or the hearing officer, the Division of Enforcement shall make available for inspection and copying by any party documents obtained by the Division prior to the institution of proceedings, in connection with the investigation leading to the Division's recommendation to institute proceedings. Such documents shall include:

(i) each subpoena issued;

(ii) every other written request to persons not employed by the Commission to provide documents or to be interviewed;

(iii) the documents turned over in response to any such subpoenas or other written requests;

(iv) all transcripts and transcript exhibits;

(v) any other documents obtained from persons not employed by the Commission; and

(vi) any final examination or inspection reports prepared by the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, the Division of Market Regulation, or the Division of Investment Management, if the Division of Enforcement intends either to introduce any such report into evidence or to use any such report to refresh the recollection of any witness.

(2) Nothing in this paragraph (a) shall limit the right of the Division to make available any other document, or shall limit the right of a respondent to seek access to or production pursuant to subpoena of any other document, or shall limit the authority of the hearing officer to order the production of any document pursuant to subpoena.

(b) Documents That May Be Withheld.

(1) The Division of Enforcement may withhold a document if:

(i) the document is privileged;

(ii) the document is an internal memorandum, note or writing prepared by a Commission employee, other than an examination or inspection report as specified in paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of this rule, or is otherwise attorney work product and will not be offered in evidence;

(iii) the document would disclose the identity of a confidential source; or

(iv) the hearing officer grants leave to withhold a document or category of documents as not relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding or otherwise, for good cause shown.

(2) Nothing in this paragraph (b) authorizes the Division of Enforcement in connection with an enforcement or disciplinary proceeding to withhold, contrary to the doctrine of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 87 (1963), documents that contain material exculpatory evidence.

(c) Withheld Document List. The hearing officer may require the Division of Enforcement to submit for review a list of documents or categories of documents withheld pursuant to paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (b)(1)(iv) of this rule or to submit any document withheld, and may determine whether any such document should be made available for inspection and copying. When similar documents are withheld pursuant to paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (b)(1)(iv) of this rule, those documents may be identified by category instead of by individual document. The hearing officer retains discretion to determine when an identification by category is insufficient.

(d) Timing of Inspection and Copying. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission or the hearing officer, the Division of Enforcement shall commence making documents available to a respondent for inspection and copying pursuant to this rule no later than seven days after service of the order instituting proceedings. In a proceeding in which a temporary cease-and-desist order is sought pursuant to Rule 510 or a temporary suspension of registration is sought pursuant to Rule 520, documents shall be made available no later than the day after service of the decision as to whether to issue a temporary cease-and-desist order or temporary suspension order.

(e) Place of Inspection and Copying. Documents subject to inspection andcopying pursuant to this rule shall be made available to the respondent for inspection and copying at the Commission office where they are ordinarily maintained, or at such other place as the parties, in writing, may agree. A respondent shall not be given custody of the documents or leave to remove the documents from the Commission's offices pursuant to the requirements of this rule other than by written agreement of the Division of Enforcement. Such agreement shall specify the documents subject to the agreement, the date they shall be returned and such other terms or conditions as are appropriate to provide for the safekeeping of the documents.

(f) Copying Costs and Procedures. The respondent may obtain a photocopy of any documents made available for inspection. The respondent shall be responsible for the cost of photocopying. Unless otherwise ordered, charges for copies made by the Division of Enforcement at the request of the respondent will be at the rate charged pursuant to the fee schedule at 17 CFR 200.80e for copies. The respondent shall be given access to the documents at the Commission's offices or such other place as the parties may agree during normal business hours for copying of documents at the respondent's expense.

(g) Issuance of Investigatory Subpoenas After Institution of Proceedings. The Division of Enforcement shall promptly inform the hearing officer and each party if investigatory subpoenas are issued under the same investigation file number or pursuant to the same order directing private investigation ("formal order") under which the investigation leading to the institution of proceedings was conducted. The hearing officer shall order such steps as necessary and appropriate to assure that the issuance of investigatory subpoenas after the institution of proceedings is not for the purpose of obtaining evidence relevant to the proceedings and that any relevant documents that may be obtained through the use of investigatory subpoenas in a continuing investigation are made available to each respondent for inspection and copying on a timely basis.

(h) Failure to Make Documents Available - Harmless Error. In the event that a document required to be made available to a respondent pursuant to this rule is not made available by the Division of Enforcement, no rehearing or redecision of a proceeding already heard or decided shall be required, unless the respondent shall establish that the failure to make the document available was not harmless error.

Rule 231. Enforcement and Disciplinary Proceedings: Production of Witness Statements.

(a) Availability. Any respondent in an enforcement or disciplinary proceeding may move that the Division of Enforcement produce for inspection and copying any statement of any person called or to be called as a witness by the Division of Enforcement that pertains, or is expected to pertain, to his or her direct testimony and that would be required to be produced pursuant to the Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. 3500. For purposes of this rule, statement shall have the meaning set forth in 18 U.S.C. 3500(e). Such production shall be made at a time and place fixed by the hearing officer and shall be made available to any party, provided, however, that the production shall be made under conditions intended to preserve the items to be inspected or copied.

(b) Failure to Produce - Harmless Error. In the event that a statement required to be made available for inspection and copying by a respondent is not turned over by the Division of Enforcement, no rehearing or redecision of a proceeding already heard or decided shall be required unless the respondent establishes that the failure to turn over the statement was not harmless error.

Rule 232. Subpoenas.

(a) Availability; Procedure. In connection with any hearing ordered by the Commission, a party may request the issuance of subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses at the designated time and place of hearing, and subpoenas requiring the production of documentary or other tangible evidence returnable at any designated time or place. Unless made on the record at a hearing, requests for issuance of a subpoena shall be made in writing and served on each party pursuant to Rule 150. A person whose request for a subpoena has been denied or modified may not request that any other person issue the subpoena.

(1) Unavailability of Hearing Officer. In the event that the hearing officer assigned to a proceeding is unavailable, the party seeking issuance of the subpoena may seek its issuance from the first available of the following persons: the Chief Administrative Law Judge, the law judge most senior inservice as a law judge, the duty officer, any other member of the Commission, or any other person designated by the Commission to issue subpoenas. Requests for issuance of a subpoena made to the Commission, or any member thereof, must be submitted to the Secretary, not to an individual Commissioner.

(2) Signing May be Delegated. A hearing officer may authorize issuance of a subpoena, and may delegate the manual signing of the subpoena to any other person authorized to issue subpoenas.

(b) Standards for Issuance. Where it appears to the person asked to issue the subpoena that the subpoena sought may be unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she may, in his or her discretion, as a condition precedent to the issuance of the subpoena, require the person seeking the subpoena to show the general relevance and reasonable scope of the testimony or other evidence sought. If after consideration of all the circumstances, the person requested to issue the subpoena determines that the subpoena or any of its terms is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she may refuse to issue the subpoena, or issue it only upon such conditions as fairness requires. In making the foregoing determination, the person issuing the subpoena may inquire of the other participants whether they will stipulate to the facts sought to be proved.

(c) Service. Service shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Rule 150(b) - (d). The provisions of this paragraph (c) shall apply to the issuance of subpoenas for purposes of investigations, as required by 17 CFR 203.8, as well as hearings.

(d) Tender of Fees Required. When a subpoena compelling the attendance of a person at a hearing or deposition is issued at the instance of anyone other than an officer or agency of the United States, service is valid only if the subpoena is accompanied by a tender to the subpoenaed person of the fees for one day's attendance and mileage specified by paragraph (f) of this rule.

(e) Application to Quash or Modify.

(1) Procedure. Any person to whom a subpoena is directed, or who is an owner, creator or the subject of the documents that are to be produced pursuant to a subpoena, or any party may, prior to the timespecified therein for compliance, but in no event more than 15 days after the date of service of such subpoena, request that the subpoena be quashed or modified. Such request shall be made by application filed with the Secretary and served on all parties pursuant to Rule 150. The party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued may, within five days of service of the application, file an opposition to the application. If a hearing officer has been assigned to the proceeding, the application to quash shall be directed to that hearing officer for consideration, even if the subpoena was issued by another person.

(2) Standards Governing Application to Quash or Modify. If compliance with the subpoena would be unreasonable, oppressive or unduly burdensome, the hearing officer or the Commission shall quash or modify the subpoena, or may order return of the subpoena only upon specified conditions. These conditions may include but are not limited to a requirement that the party on whose behalf the subpoena was issued shall make reasonable compensation to the person to whom the subpoena was addressed for the cost of copying or transporting evidence to the place for return of the subpoena.

(f) Witness Fees and Mileage. Witnesses summoned before the Commission shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid to witnesses in the courts of the United States, and witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking the same shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States. Witness fees and mileage shall be paid by the party at whose instance the witnesses appear.

Rule 233. Depositions Upon Oral Examination.

(a) Procedure. Any party desiring to take the testimony of a witness by deposition shall make a written motion setting forth the reasons why such deposition should be taken including the specific reasons why the party believes the witness will be unable to attend or testify at the hearing; the name and address of the prospective witness; the matters concerning which the prospective witness is expected to be questioned; and the proposed time and place for the taking of the deposition.

(b) Required Finding When Ordering a Deposition. In the discretion of the Commission or the hearing officer, an order for a deposition may be issued upon a finding that the prospective witness will likely give testimony material to the proceeding; that it is likely the prospective witness, who is then within the United States, will be unable to attend or testify at the hearing because of age, sickness, infirmity, imprisonment, other disability, or absence from the United States, unless it appears that the absence of the witness was procured by the party requesting the deposition; and that the taking of a deposition will serve the interests of justice.

(c) Contents of Order. An order for deposition shall designate by name a deposition officer. The designated officer may be the hearing officer or any other person authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States or of the place where the deposition is to be held. An order for deposition also shall state:

(1) the name of the witness whose deposition is to be taken;

(2) the scope of the testimony to be taken;

(3) the time and place of the deposition;

(4) the manner of recording, preserving and filing the deposition; and

(5) the number of copies, if any, of the deposition and exhibits to be filed upon completion of the deposition.

(d) Procedure at Depositions. A witness whose testimony is taken by deposition shall be sworn or shall affirm before any questions are put to him or her. Examination and cross-examination of deponents may proceed as permitted at a hearing. The witness being deposed may have counsel present during the deposition.

(e) Objections to Questions or Evidence. Objections to questions or evidence shall be in short form, stating the grounds of objection relied upon. Objections to questions or evidence shall be noted by the deposition officer upon the deposition, but a deposition officer other than the hearing officer shall not have the power to decide on the competency, materiality or relevance of evidence. Failure to object to questions or evidence before the deposition officer shall not be deemed a waiver unless the ground of the objection is one that might have been obviated or removed if presented at that time.

(f) Filing of Depositions. The questions propounded and all answers or objections shall be recorded or transcribed verbatim, and a transcript prepared bythe deposition officer, or under his or her direction. The transcript shall be subscribed by the witness and certified by the deposition officer. The original deposition and exhibits shall be filed with the Secretary. A copy of the deposition shall be available to the deponent and each party for purchase at prescribed rates.

(g) Payment. The cost of the transcript shall be paid by the party requesting the deposition.

Rule 234. Depositions Upon Written Questions.

(a) Availability. Depositions may be taken and submitted on written questions upon motion of any party. The motion shall include the information specified in Rule 233(a). A decision on the motion shall be governed by the provisions of Rule 233(b).

(b) Procedure. Written questions shall be filed with the motion. Within 10 days after service of the motion and written questions, any party may file objections to such written questions and any party may file cross-questions. When a deposition is taken pursuant to this rule no persons other than the witness, counsel to the witness, the deposition officer, and, if the deposition officer does not act as reporter, a reporter, shall be present at the examination of the witness. No party shall be present or represented unless otherwise permitted by order. The deposition officer shall propound the questions and cross-questions to the witness in the order submitted.

(c) Additional Requirements. The order for deposition, filing of the deposition, form of the deposition and use of the deposition in the record shall be governed by paragraphs (c) through (g) of Rule 233, except that no cross-examination shall be made.

Rule 235. Introducing Prior Sworn Statements of Witnesses into the Record.

(a) At a hearing, any person wishing to introduce a prior, sworn statement of a witness, not a party, otherwise admissible in the proceeding, may make a motion setting forth the reasons therefor. If only part of a statement is offered in evidence, the hearing officer may require that all relevant portions of the statement be introduced. If all of a statement is offered in evidence, the hearing officer may require that portions not relevant to the proceeding be excluded. A motion tointroduce a prior sworn statement may be granted if:

(1) the witness is dead;

(2) the witness is out of the United States, unless it appears that the absence of the witness was procured by the party offering the prior sworn statement;

(3) the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, sickness, infirmity, imprisonment or other disability;

(4) the party offering the prior sworn statement has been unable to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or,

(5) in the discretion of the Commission or the hearing officer, it would be desirable, in the interests of justice, to allow the prior sworn statement to be used. In making this determination, due regard shall be given to the presumption that witnesses will testify orally in an open hearing. If the parties have stipulated to accept a prior sworn statement in lieu of live testimony, consideration shall also be given to the convenience of the parties in avoiding unnecessary expense.

(b) [Reserved]

Rule 240. Settlement.

(a) Availability. Any person who is notified that a proceeding may or will be instituted against him or her, or any party to a proceeding already instituted, may, at any time, propose in writing an offer of settlement.

(b) Procedure. An offer of settlement shall state that it is made pursuant to this rule; shall recite or incorporate as a part of the offer the provisions of paragraphs (c)(4) and (5) of this rule; shall be signed by the person making the offer, not by counsel; and shall be submitted to the interested division.

(c) Consideration of Offers of Settlement.

(1) Offers of settlement shall be considered by the interested division when time, the nature of the proceedings, and the public interest permit.

(2) Where a hearing officer is assigned to a proceeding, the interested division and the party submitting the offer may request that the hearing officer express his or her views regarding the appropriateness of theoffer of settlement. A request for the hearing officer to express his or her views on an offer of settlement or otherwise to participate in a settlement conference constitutes a waiver by the persons making the request of any right to claim bias or prejudgment by the hearing officer based on the views expressed.

(3) The interested division shall present the offer of settlement to the Commission with its recommendation, except that, if the division's recommendation is unfavorable, the offer shall not be presented to the Commission unless the person making the offer so requests.

(4) By submitting an offer of settlement, the person making the offer waives, subject to acceptance of the offer:

(i) all hearings pursuant to the statutory provisions under which the proceeding is to be or has been instituted;

(ii) the filing of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law;

(iii) proceedings before, and an initial decision by, a hearing officer;

(iv) all post-hearing procedures; and

(v) judicial review by any court.

(5) By submitting an offer of settlement the person further waives:

(i) such provisions of the Rules of Practice or other requirements of law as may be construed to prevent any member of the Commission's staff from participating in the preparation of, or advising the Commission as to, any order, opinion, finding of fact, or conclusion of law to be entered pursuant to the offer; and

(ii) any right to claim bias or prejudgment by the Commission based on the consideration of or discussions concerning settlement of all or any part of the proceeding.

(6) If the Commission rejects the offer of settlement, the person making the offer shall be notified of the Commission's action and the offer of settlement shall be deemed withdrawn. The rejected offer shall not constitute a part of the record in any proceeding against the person making the offer, provided, however, that rejection of an offer of settlement does not affect thecontinued validity of waivers pursuant to paragraph (c)(5) of this rule with respect to any discussions concerning the rejected offer of settlement.

(7) Final acceptance of any offer of settlement will occur only upon the issuance of findings and an order by the Commission.

Rule 250. Motion for Summary Disposition.

(a) After a respondent's answer has been filed and, in an enforcement or a disciplinary proceeding, documents have been made available to that respondent for inspection and copying pursuant to Rule 230, the respondent, or the interested division may make a motion for summary disposition of any or all allegations of the order instituting proceedings with respect to that respondent. If the interested division has not completed presentation of its case in chief, a motion for summary disposition shall be made only with leave of the hearing officer. The facts of the pleadings of the party against whom the motion is made shall be taken as true, except as modified by stipulations or admissions made by that party, by uncontested affidavits, or by facts officially noted pursuant to Rule 323.

(b) The hearing officer shall promptly grant or deny the motion for summary disposition or shall defer decision on the motion. The hearing officer may grant the motion for summary disposition if there is no genuine issue with regard to any material fact and the party making the motion is entitled to a summary disposition as a matter of law. If it appears that a party, for good cause shown, cannot present by affidavit prior to hearing facts essential to justify opposition to the motion, the hearing officer shall deny or defer the motion. A hearing officer's decision to deny leave to file a motion for summary disposition is not subject to interlocutory appeal.

(c) The motion for summary disposition, supporting memorandum of points and authorities, and any declarations, affidavits or attachments shall not exceed 35 pages in length.

Rules Regarding Hearings

Rule 300. Hearings.

Hearings for the purpose of taking evidence shall be held only upon order of the Commission. All hearings shall be conducted in a fair, impartial, expeditious and orderly manner.

Rule 301. Hearings to Be Public.

All hearings, except hearings on applications for confidential treatment filed pursuant to Rule 190, hearings held to consider a motion for a protective order pursuant to Rule 322, and hearings on ex parte application for a temporary cease-and-desist order, shall be public unless otherwise ordered by the Commission on its own motion or the motion of a party. No hearing shall be nonpublic where all respondents request that the hearing be made public.

Rule 302. Record of Hearings.

(a) Recordation. Unless ordered otherwise by the hearing officer or the Commission, all hearings shall be recorded and a written transcript thereof shall be prepared.

(b) Availability of a Transcript. Transcripts of public hearings shall be available for purchase at prescribed rates. Transcripts of nonpublic proceedings, and transcripts subject to a protective order pursuant to Rule 322, shall be available for purchase only by parties, provided, however, that any person compelled to submit data or evidence in a hearing may purchase a copy of his or her own testimony.

(c) Transcript Correction. Prior to the filing of post-hearing bri