Hearing examiners.

A. The commission may appoint a commissioner or a hearing examiner to preside over any matter before the commission, including rulemakings, adjudicatory hearings and administrative matters. Hearing examiners shall conduct proceedings and issue findings and recommendations based solely on the record and applicable law, free from improper influence, interference or pressure from any source within or outside the commission. B. A hearing examiner shall provide the commission with a written recommendation on the matter assigned to the hearing examiner, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. A written recommendation shall be provided to the parties, and they may file exceptions to the written recommendation prior to the final decision of the commission. C. When the commission has appointed a hearing examiner to preside over a matter, at least one member of the commission shall, at the request of a party to the proceedings, attend oral argument.