(a) This subpart applies to a civil penalty action in which the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section are satisfied.

(1) There is an alleged violation of a TSA requirement.

(2) The amount in controversy does not exceed—

(i) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an individual or a small business concern;

(ii) $400,000 if the violation was committed by any other person.

(3) The person charged with the violation has requested a hearing in accordance with § 1503.427 of this part.

(b) This subpart does not apply to the adjudication of the validity of any TSA rule or other requirement under the U.S. Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, or any other law.

(a) Civil penalty proceedings, including hearings, will be prosecuted only by an agency attorney, except to the extent another agency official is permitted to issue and prosecute civil penalties under § 1503.421 of this part.

(b) An agency employee engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecutorial functions in a civil penalty action must not, in that case or a factually related case, participate or give advice in a decision by the ALJ or by the TSA decision maker on appeal, except as counsel or a witness in the public proceedings.

(c) The Chief Counsel or an agency attorney not covered by paragraph (b) of this section will advise the TSA decision maker regarding an initial decision or any appeal of a civil penalty action to the TSA decision maker.

(a) Any party may appear and be heard in person.

(b) Any party may be accompanied, represented, or advised by an attorney or representative designated by the party and may be examined by that attorney or representative in any proceeding governed by this subpart. An attorney or representative who represents a respondent and has not previously filed a pleading in the matter must file a notice of appearance in the action, in the manner provided in § 1503.429, and must serve a copy of the notice of appearance on each party, in the manner provided in § 1503.409, before participating in any proceeding governed by this subpart. The attorney or representative must include the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or representative in the notice of appearance.

(a) Powers of an ALJ. In accordance with the rules of this subpart, an ALJ may:

(1) Give notice of, and hold, prehearing conferences and hearings.

(2) Issue scheduling orders and other appropriate orders regarding discovery or other matters that come before him or her consistent with the rules of this subpart.

(3) Administer oaths and affirmations.

(4) Issue subpoenas authorized by law.

(5) Rule on offers of proof.

(6) Receive relevant and material evidence.

(7) Regulate the course of the hearing in accordance with the rules of this subpart.

(8) Hold conferences to settle or to simplify the issues on his or her own motion or by consent of the parties.

(9) Rule on procedural motions and requests.

(10) Make findings of fact and conclusions of law, and issue an initial decision.

(11) Strike unsigned documents unless omission of the signature is corrected promptly after being called to the attention of the attorney or party.

(12) Order payment of witness fees in accordance with § 1503.649.

(b) Limitations on the power of the ALJ. (1) The ALJ may not:

(i) Issue an order of contempt.

(ii) Award costs to any party.

(iii) Impose any sanction not specified in this subpart.

(iv) Adopt or follow a standard of proof or procedure contrary to that set forth in this subpart.

(v) Decide issues involving the validity of a TSA regulation, order, or other requirement under the U.S. Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, or other law.

(2) If the ALJ imposes any sanction not specified in this subpart, a party may file an interlocutory appeal of right pursuant to § 1503.631(c)(3).

(3) This section does not preclude an ALJ from issuing an order that bars a person from a specific proceeding based on a finding of obstreperous or disruptive behavior in that specific proceeding.

(c) Disqualification. The ALJ may disqualify himself or herself at any time. A party may file a motion, pursuant to § 1503.629(f)(6), requesting that an ALJ be disqualified from the proceedings.

(a) Filing. The agency attorney must file the complaint with the Enforcement Docket Clerk in accordance with § 1503.429, or may file a written motion pursuant to § 1503.629(f)(2)(i) instead of filing a complaint, not later than 30 days after receipt by the agency attorney of a request for hearing. The agency attorney should suggest a location for the hearing when filing the complaint.

(b) Contents. A complaint must set forth the facts alleged, any statute, regulation, or order allegedly violated by the respondent, and the proposed civil penalty in sufficient detail to provide notice of any factual or legal allegation and proposed civil penalty.

(a) Filing. A respondent must file a written answer to the complaint in accordance with § 1503.429, or may file a written motion pursuant to § 1503.629(f)(1)-(4) instead of filing an answer, not later than 30 days after service of the complaint. Subject to paragraph (c) of this section, the answer may be in the form of a letter, but must be dated and signed by the person responding to the complaint. An answer may be typewritten or may be legibly handwritten. The person filing an answer should suggest a location for the hearing when filing the answer.

(b) Contents. An answer must specifically state any affirmative defense that the respondent intends to assert at the hearing. A person filing an answer may include a brief statement of any relief requested in the answer.

(c) Specific denial of allegations required. A person filing an answer must admit, deny, or state that the person is without sufficient knowledge or information to admit or deny, each numbered paragraph of the complaint. Any statement or allegation contained in the complaint that is not specifically denied in the answer may be deemed an admission of the truth of that allegation. A general denial of the complaint is deemed a failure to file an answer.

(d) Failure to file answer. A person's failure to file an answer without good cause, as determined by the ALJ, will be deemed an admission of the truth of each allegation contained in the complaint.

(a) Consolidation. If two or more actions involve common questions of law or fact, the Chief Administrative Law Judge may do the following:

(1) Order a joint hearing or trial on any or all such questions.

(2) Order the consolidation of such actions.

(3) Otherwise make such orders concerning the proceedings as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

(b) Consolidation shall not affect the applicability of this part. Consolidation of two or more actions that individually meet the jurisdictional amounts set forth in § 1503.601(a)(2) shall not cause the resulting consolidated action to come under the exclusive jurisdiction of the district courts of the United States as specified in 49 U.S.C. 46301(d)(4)(A).

(c) Separate trials. The Chief Administrative Law Judge, in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice, or when separate trials will be conducive to expedition and economy, may order a separate trial of any claim, or of any separate issue, or any number of claims or issues.

(a) Notice. The ALJ must give each party at least 60 days notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing. With the consent of the ALJ, the parties may agree to hold the hearing on an earlier date than the date specified in the notice of hearing.

(b) Date, time, and location of the hearing. The ALJ to whom the proceedings have been assigned must set a reasonable date, time, and location for the hearing. The ALJ must consider the need for discovery and any joint procedural or discovery schedule submitted by the parties when determining the hearing date. The ALJ must give due regard to the convenience of the parties, the location where the majority of the witnesses reside or work, and whether the location is served by a scheduled air carrier.

(a) Oral requests. The parties may agree to extend for a reasonable period the time for filing a document under this subpart. If the parties agree, the ALJ must grant one extension of time to each party. The party seeking the extension of time must submit a draft order to the ALJ to be signed by the ALJ and filed with the Enforcement Docket Clerk. The ALJ may grant additional oral requests for an extension of time where the parties agree to the extension.

(b) Written motion. A party must file a written motion for an extension of time not later than 7 days before the document is due unless the party shows good cause for the late filing. The ALJ may grant the extension of time if the party shows good cause.

(c) Request for continuance of hearing. Either party may request in writing a continuance of the date of a hearing, for good cause shown, no later than seven days before the scheduled date of the hearing. Good cause does not include a scheduling conflict involving the parties or their attorneys which by due diligence could have been foreseen.

(d) Failure to rule. If the ALJ fails to rule on a written motion for an extension of time by the date the document was due, the motion for an extension of time is deemed granted for no more than 20 days after the original date the document was to be filed. If the ALJ fails to rule on a request for continuance by the scheduled hearing date, the request is deemed granted for no more than 10 days after the scheduled hearing date.

(a) A person may file a motion for leave to intervene as a party in a civil penalty action. The person must file a motion for leave to intervene not later than 10 days before the hearing unless the person shows good cause for the late filing.

(b) If the ALJ finds that intervention will not unduly broaden the issues or delay the proceedings, the ALJ may grant a motion for leave to intervene if the person will be bound by any order or decision entered in the action or the person has a property, financial, or other legitimate interest that may not be addressed adequately by the parties. The ALJ may determine the extent to which an intervenor may participate in the proceedings.

(a) Filing and service. A party must file the amendment with the Enforcement Docket Clerk and must serve a copy of the amendment on the ALJ and all parties to the proceeding.

(b) Time. A party must file an amendment to a complaint or an answer within the following:

(1) Not later than 15 days before the scheduled date of a hearing, a party may amend a complaint or an answer without the consent of the ALJ.

(2) Less than 15 days before the scheduled date of a hearing, the ALJ may allow amendment of a complaint or an answer only for good cause shown in a motion to amend.

(c) Responses. The ALJ must allow a reasonable time, but not more than 20 days from the date of filing, for other parties to respond if an amendment to a complaint, answer, or other pleading has been filed with the ALJ.

At any time before or during a hearing, an agency attorney may withdraw a complaint or a respondent may withdraw a request for a hearing without the consent of the ALJ. If an agency attorney withdraws the complaint or a party withdraws the request for a hearing and the answer, the ALJ must dismiss the proceedings under this subpart with prejudice, unless the withdrawing party shows good cause for dismissal without prejudice, except that a party may withdraw a request for hearing without prejudice at any time before a complaint has been filed.

Waivers of any rights provided by statute or regulation must be in writing or by stipulation made at a hearing and entered into the record. The parties must set forth the precise terms of the waiver and any conditions.

(a) General. The parties may agree to submit a schedule for filing all prehearing motions, a schedule for conducting discovery in the proceedings, or a schedule that will govern all prehearing motions and discovery in the proceedings.

(b) Form and content of schedule. If the parties agree to a joint procedural or discovery schedule, one of the parties must file the joint schedule with the ALJ, setting forth the dates to which the parties have agreed, and must serve a copy of the joint schedule on each party.

(1) The joint schedule may include, but need not be limited to, requests for discovery, any objections to discovery requests, responses to discovery requests to which there are no objections, submission of prehearing motions, responses to prehearing motions, exchange of exhibits to be introduced at the hearing, and a list of witnesses that may be called at the hearing.

(2) Each party must sign the original joint schedule to be filed with the Enforcement Docket Clerk.

(c) Time. The parties may agree to submit all prehearing motions and responses and may agree to close discovery in the proceedings under the joint schedule within a reasonable time before the date of the hearing, but not later than 15 days before the hearing.

(d) Order establishing joint schedule. The ALJ must approve the joint schedule filed by the parties. One party must submit a draft order establishing a joint schedule to the ALJ to be signed by the ALJ and filed with the Enforcement Docket Clerk.

(e) Disputes. The ALJ must resolve disputes regarding discovery or disputes regarding compliance with the joint schedule as soon as possible so that the parties may continue to comply with the joint schedule.

(f) Sanctions for failure to comply with joint schedule. If a party fails to comply with the ALJ's order establishing a joint schedule, the ALJ may direct that party to comply with a motion or discovery request or, limited to the extent of the party's failure to comply with a motion or discovery request, the ALJ may do the following:

(1) Strike that portion of a party's pleadings.

(2) Preclude prehearing or discovery motions by that party.

(3) Preclude admission of that portion of a party's evidence at the hearing.

(4) Preclude that portion of the testimony of that party's witnesses at the hearing.

(a) General. A party applying for an order or ruling not specifically provided in this subpart must do so by motion. A party must comply with the requirements of this section when filing a motion. A party must serve a copy of each motion on each party.

(b) Form and contents. A party must state the relief sought by the motion and the particular grounds supporting that relief. If a party has evidence in support of a motion, the party must attach any supporting evidence, including affidavits, to the motion.

(c) Filing of motions. A motion made prior to the hearing must be in writing or orally on the record. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties or for good cause shown, a party must file any prehearing motion, and must serve a copy on each party, not later than 30 days before the hearing. Motions introduced during a hearing may be made orally on the record unless the ALJ directs otherwise.

(d) Reply to motions. Any party may file a reply, with affidavits or other evidence in support of the reply, not later than 30 days after service of a written motion on that party. When a motion is made during a hearing, the reply may be made at the hearing on the record, orally or in writing, within a reasonable time determined by the ALJ. At the discretion of the ALJ, the moving party may file a response to the reply.

(e) Rulings on motions. The ALJ must rule on all motions as follows:

(1) Discovery motions. The ALJ must resolve all pending discovery motions not later than 10 days before the hearing.

(2) Prehearing motions. The ALJ must resolve all pending prehearing motions not later than 7 days before the hearing. If the ALJ issues a ruling or order orally, the ALJ must serve a written copy of the ruling or order, within 3 days, on each party. In all other cases, the ALJ must issue rulings and orders in writing and must serve a copy of the ruling or order on each party.

(3) Motions made during the hearing. The ALJ may issue rulings and orders on motions made during the hearing orally. Oral rulings or orders on motions must be made on the record.

(f) Specific motions. A party may file, but is not limited to, the following motions with the Enforcement Docket Clerk:

(1) Motion to dismiss for insufficiency. A respondent may file a motion to dismiss the complaint for insufficiency instead of filing an answer. If the ALJ denies the motion to dismiss the complaint for insufficiency, the respondent must file an answer not later than 20 days after service of the ALJ's denial of the motion. A motion to dismiss the complaint for insufficiency must show that the complaint fails to state a violation of a TSA requirement. If the ALJ grants the motion to dismiss the complaint for insufficiency, the agency attorney may amend the complaint in accordance with § 1503.621.

(2) Motion to dismiss. A party may file a motion to dismiss, specifying the grounds for dismissal. If an ALJ grants a motion to dismiss in part, a party may appeal the ALJ's ruling on the motion to dismiss under § 1503.631(b).

(i) Motion to dismiss a request for a hearing. An agency attorney may file a motion to dismiss a request for a hearing as untimely instead of filing a complaint. If the motion to dismiss is not granted, the agency attorney must file the complaint and must serve a copy of the complaint on each party not later than 20 days after service of the ALJ's ruling or order on the motion to dismiss. If the motion to dismiss is granted and the proceedings are terminated without a hearing, the respondent may file an appeal pursuant to § 1503.657. If required by the decision on appeal, the agency attorney must file a complaint and must serve a copy of the complaint on each party not later than 30 days after service of the decision on appeal.

(ii) Motion to dismiss a complaint. A respondent may file a motion to dismiss a complaint instead of filing an answer, on the ground that the complaint was not timely filed or on other grounds. If the ALJ does not grant the motion to dismiss, the respondent must file an answer and must serve a copy of the answer on each party not later than 30 days after service of the ALJ's ruling or order on the motion to dismiss. If the ALJ grants the motion to dismiss and the proceedings are terminated without a hearing, the agency attorney may file an appeal pursuant to § 1503.657. If required by the decision on appeal, the respondent must file an answer and must serve a copy of the answer on each party not later than 20 days after service of the decision on appeal.

(iii) Motion to dismiss based on settlement. A party may file a motion to dismiss based on a mutual settlement of the parties.

(3) Motion for more definite statement. A party may file a motion for more definite statement of any pleading that requires a response under this subpart. A party must set forth, in detail, the indefinite or uncertain allegations contained in a complaint or response to any pleading and must submit the details that the party believes would make the allegation or response definite and certain.

(i) Complaint. A respondent may file a motion requesting a more definite statement of the allegations contained in the complaint instead of filing an answer. If the ALJ grants the motion, the agency attorney must supply a more definite statement not later than 15 days after service of the ruling granting the motion. If the agency attorney fails to supply a more definite statement, the ALJ must strike the allegations in the complaint to which the motion is directed. If the ALJ denies the motion, the respondent must file an answer and must serve a copy of the answer on each party not later than 20 days after service of the order of denial.

(ii) Answer. An agency attorney may file a motion requesting a more definite statement if an answer fails to respond clearly to the allegations in the complaint. If the ALJ grants the motion, the respondent must supply a more definite statement not later than 15 days after service of the ruling on the motion. If the respondent fails to supply a more definite statement, the ALJ must strike those statements in the answer to which the motion is directed. The respondent's failure to supply a more definite statement may be deemed an admission of unanswered allegations in the complaint.

(4) Motion to strike. Any party may move to strike any insufficient allegation or defense, or any redundant, immaterial, or irrelevant matter in a pleading. A party must file a motion to strike before a response is required under this subpart or, if a response is not required, not later than 10 days after service of the pleading.

(5) Motion for decision. A party may move for decision, regarding all or any part of the proceedings, at any time before the ALJ has issued an initial decision in the proceedings. A party may include with a motion for decision affidavits as well as any other evidence in support of the motion. The ALJ must grant a party's motion for decision if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, admissions, affidavits, matters that the ALJ has officially noticed, or evidence introduced during the hearing show that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that the party making the motion is entitled to a decision as a matter of law. The party moving for decision has the burden of showing that there is no genuine issue of material fact.

(6) Motion for disqualification. A party may file the motion at any time after the ALJ has been assigned to the proceedings but must make the motion before the ALJ files an initial decision in the proceedings.

(i) Motion and supporting affidavit. A party must state the grounds for disqualification, including, but not limited to, personal bias, pecuniary interest, or other factors supporting disqualification, in the motion for disqualification. A party must submit an affidavit with the motion for disqualification that sets forth, in detail, the matters alleged to constitute grounds for disqualification.

(ii) Answer. A party must respond to the motion for disqualification not later than 5 days after service of the motion for disqualification.

(iii) Decision on motion for disqualification. The ALJ must render a decision on the motion for disqualification not later than 20 days after the motion has been filed. If the ALJ finds that the motion for disqualification and supporting affidavit show a basis for disqualification, the ALJ must withdraw from the proceedings immediately. If the ALJ finds that disqualification is not warranted, the ALJ must deny the motion and state the grounds for the denial on the record. If the ALJ fails to rule on a party's motion for disqualification within 20 days after the motion has been filed, the motion is deemed granted.

(iv) Appeal. A party may appeal the ALJ's denial of the motion for disqualification in accordance with § 1503.631(b).

(a) General. Unless otherwise provided in this subpart, a party may not appeal a ruling or decision of the ALJ to the TSA decision maker until the initial decision has been entered on the record. A decision or order of the TSA decision maker on the interlocutory appeal does not constitute a final order of the Administrator for the purposes of judicial appellate review under 49 U.S.C. 46110.

(b) Interlocutory appeal for cause. If a party files a written request for an interlocutory appeal for cause with the ALJ, or orally requests an interlocutory appeal for cause, the proceedings are stayed until the ALJ issues a decision on the request. If the ALJ grants the request, the proceedings are stayed until the TSA decision maker issues a decision on the interlocutory appeal. The ALJ must grant an interlocutory appeal for cause if a party shows that delay of the appeal would be detrimental to the public interest or would result in undue prejudice to any party.

(c) Interlocutory appeals of right. If a party notifies the ALJ of an interlocutory appeal of right, the proceedings are stayed until the TSA decision maker issues a decision on the interlocutory appeal. A party may file an interlocutory appeal, without the consent of the ALJ, before an initial decision has been entered in the following cases:

(1) A ruling or order by the ALJ barring a person from the proceedings.

(2) Failure of the ALJ to dismiss the proceedings in accordance with § 1503.623.

(3) A ruling or order by the ALJ in violation of § 1503.607(b).

(4) A ruling or order by the ALJ regarding public access to a particular docket or documents.

(d) Procedure. Not later than 10 days after the ALJ's decision forming the basis of an interlocutory appeal of right or not later than 10 days after the ALJ's decision granting an interlocutory appeal for cause, a party must file a notice of interlocutory appeal, with supporting documents, and the party must serve a copy of the notice and supporting documents on each party. Not later than 10 days after service of the appeal brief, a party must file a reply brief, if any, and the party must serve a copy of the reply brief on each party. The TSA decision maker must render a decision on the interlocutory appeal, on the record and as a part of the decision in the proceedings, within a reasonable time after receipt of the interlocutory appeal.

(e) Frivolous appeals. The TSA decision maker may reject frivolous, repetitive, or dilatory appeals, and may issue an order precluding one or more parties from making further interlocutory appeals in a proceeding in which there have been frivolous, repetitive, or dilatory interlocutory appeals.

(a) Initiation of discovery. Any party may initiate discovery described in this section, without the consent or approval of the ALJ, at any time after a complaint has been filed in the proceedings.

(b) Methods of discovery. The following methods of discovery are permitted under this section: depositions on oral examination or written questions of any person; written interrogatories directed to a party; requests for production of documents or tangible items to any person; and requests for admission by a party. A party is not required to file written discovery requests and responses with the ALJ or the Enforcement Docket Clerk. In the event of a discovery dispute, a party must attach a copy of these documents in support of a motion made under this section.

(c) Service on the agency. A party must serve each discovery request directed to the agency or any agency employee on the agency attorney of record.

(d) Time for response to discovery requests. Unless otherwise directed by this subpart, agreed by the parties, or by order of the ALJ, a party must respond to a request for discovery, including filing objections to a request for discovery, not later than 30 days after service of the request.

(e) Scope of discovery. Subject to the limits on discovery set forth in paragraph (f) of this section, a party may discover any matter that is not privileged and that is relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding. A party may discover information that relates to the claim or defense of any party including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any document or other tangible item and the identity and location of any person having knowledge of discoverable matter. A party may discover facts known, or opinions held, by an expert who any other party expects to call to testify at the hearing. A party may not object to a discovery request on the basis that the information sought would not be admissible at the hearing if the information sought during discovery is reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence.

(f) Limiting discovery. The ALJ must limit the frequency and extent of discovery permitted by this section if a party shows that—

(1) The information requested is cumulative or repetitious;

(2) The information requested can be obtained from another less burdensome and more convenient source;

(3) The party requesting the information has had ample opportunity to obtain the information through other discovery methods permitted under this section; or

(4) The method or scope of discovery requested by the party is unduly burdensome or expensive.

(g) Disclosure of Sensitive Security Information (SSI). At the request of a party, TSA may provide SSI to the party when, in the sole discretion of TSA, access to the SSI is necessary for the party to prepare a response to allegations contained the complaint. TSA may provide such information subject to such restrictions on further disclosure and such safeguarding requirements as TSA determines appropriate.

(h) Confidential orders. A party or person who has received a discovery request for information, other than SSI, that is related to a trade secret, confidential or sensitive material, competitive or commercial information, proprietary data, or information on research and development, may file a motion for a confidential order with the ALJ and must serve a copy of the motion for a confidential order on each party.

(1) The party or person making the motion must show that the confidential order is necessary to protect the information from disclosure to the public.

(2) If the ALJ determines that the requested material is not necessary to decide the case, the ALJ must preclude any inquiry into the matter by any party.

(3) If the ALJ determines that the requested material may be disclosed during discovery, the ALJ may order that the material may be discovered and disclosed under limited conditions or may be used only under certain terms and conditions.

(4) If the ALJ determines that the requested material is necessary to decide the case and that a confidential order is warranted, the ALJ must provide the following:

(i) An opportunity for review of the document by the parties off the record.

(ii) Procedures for excluding the information from the record.

(iii) An order that the parties must not disclose the information in any manner and the parties must not use the information in any other proceeding.

(i) Protective orders. A party or a person who has received a request for discovery may file a motion for protective order and must serve a copy of the motion for protective order on each party. The party or person making the motion must show that the protective order is necessary to protect the party or the person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense. As part of the protective order, the ALJ may do the following:

(1) Deny the discovery request.

(2) Order that discovery be conducted only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place for discovery or a determination of the method of discovery.

(3) Limit the scope of discovery or preclude any inquiry into certain matters during discovery.

(j) Duty to supplement or amend responses. A party who has responded to a discovery request has a duty to supplement or amend the response, as soon as the information is known, as follows:

(1) A party must supplement or amend any response to a question requesting the identity and location of any person having knowledge of discoverable matters.

(2) A party must supplement or amend any response to a question requesting the identity of each person who will be called to testify at the hearing as an expert witness and the subject matter and substance of that witness' testimony.

(3) A party must supplement or amend any response that was incorrect when made or any response that was correct when made but is no longer correct, accurate, or complete.

(k) Depositions. The following rules apply to depositions taken pursuant to this section:

(1) Form. A deposition must be taken on the record and reduced to writing. The person being deposed must sign the deposition unless the parties agree to waive the requirement of a signature.

(2) Administration of oaths. Within the United States, or a territory or possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a party must take a deposition before a person authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States or authorized by the law of the place where the examination is held. Outside the United States, a party will take a deposition in any manner allowed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 U.S.C. App.).

(3) Notice of deposition. A party must serve a notice of deposition, stating the time and place of the deposition and the name and address of each person to be examined, on the person to be deposed, on the ALJ, on the Enforcement Docket Clerk, and on each party not later than 7 days before the deposition. A party may serve a notice of deposition less than 7 days before the deposition only with consent of the ALJ and for good cause shown. If a subpoena “duces tecum” is to be served on the person to be examined, the party must attach a copy of the subpoena duces tecum that describes the materials to be produced at the deposition to the notice of deposition.

(4) Use of depositions. A party may use any part or all of a deposition at a hearing authorized under this subpart only upon a showing of good cause. The deposition may be used against any party who was present or represented at the deposition or who had reasonable notice of the deposition.

(l) Interrogatories. A party, the party's attorney, or the party's representative may sign the party's responses to interrogatories. A party must answer each interrogatory separately and completely in writing. If a party objects to an interrogatory, the party must state the objection and the reasons for the objection. An opposing party may use any part or all of a party's responses to interrogatories at a hearing authorized under this subpart to the extent that the response is relevant, material, and not repetitious.

(1) A party must not serve more than 30 interrogatories to each other party. Each subpart of an interrogatory will be counted as a separate interrogatory.

(2) Before serving additional interrogatories on a party, a party must file a motion for leave to serve additional interrogatories on a party with the ALJ and must serve a copy on each party before serving additional interrogatories on a party. The ALJ may grant the motion only if the party shows good cause for the party's failure to inquire about the information previously and that the information cannot reasonably be obtained using less burdensome discovery methods or be obtained from other sources.

(m) Requests for admission. A party may serve a written request for admission of the truth of any matter within the scope of discovery under this section or the authenticity of any document described in the request. A party must set forth each request for admission separately. A party must serve copies of documents referenced in the request for admission unless the documents have been provided or are reasonably available for inspection and copying.

(1) Time. A party's failure to respond to a request for admission, in writing and signed by the attorney or the party, not later than 30 days after service of the request, is deemed an admission of the truth of the statement or statements contained in the request for admission. The ALJ may determine that a failure to respond to a request for admission is not deemed an admission of the truth if a party shows that the failure was due to circumstances beyond the control of the party or the party's attorney.

(2) Response. A party may object to a request for admission and must state the reasons for objection. A party may specifically deny the truth of the matter or describe the reasons why the party is unable to truthfully deny or admit the matter. If a party is unable to deny or admit the truth of the matter, the party must show that the party has made reasonable inquiry into the matter or that the information known to, or readily obtainable by, the party is insufficient to enable the party to admit or deny the matter. A party may admit or deny any part of the request for admission. If the ALJ determines that a response does not comply with the requirements of this rule or that the response is insufficient, the matter is deemed admitted.

(3) Effect of admission. Any matter admitted or deemed admitted under this section is conclusively established for the purpose of the hearing and appeal.

(n) Motion to compel discovery. A party may move to compel discovery if a person refuses to answer a question during a deposition, a party fails or refuses to answer an interrogatory, if a person gives an evasive or incomplete answer during a deposition or when responding to an interrogatory, or a party fails or refuses to produce documents or tangible items. During a deposition, the proponent of a question may complete the deposition or may adjourn the examination before moving to compel if a person refuses to answer.

(o) Failure to comply with a discovery order or order to compel. If a party fails to comply with a discovery order or an order to compel, the ALJ, limited to the extent of the party's failure to comply with the discovery order or motion to compel, may do the following:

(1) Strike that portion of a party's pleadings.

(2) Preclude prehearing or discovery motions by that party.

(3) Preclude admission of that portion of a party's evidence at the hearing.

(4) Preclude that portion of the testimony of that party's witnesses at the hearing.

(a) General. A party is entitled to present the party's case or defense by oral, documentary, or demonstrative evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to conduct any cross-examination that may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts.

(b) Admissibility. A party may introduce any oral, documentary, or demonstrative evidence in support of the party's case or defense. The ALJ must admit any oral, documentary, or demonstrative evidence introduced by a party, but must exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence.

(c) Hearsay evidence. Hearsay evidence is admissible in proceedings governed by this subpart. The fact that evidence submitted by a party is hearsay goes only to the weight of the evidence and does not affect its admissibility.

The ALJ may issue an initial decision or may rule in a party's favor only if the decision or ruling is supported by a preponderance of the evidence contained in the record. In order to prevail, the party with the burden of proof must prove the party's case or defense by a preponderance of the evidence.

(a) Except in the case of an affirmative defense, the burden of proof is on the agency.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by statute or rule, the proponent of a motion, request, or order has the burden of proof.

(c) A party who has asserted an affirmative defense has the burden of proving the affirmative defense.

A party whose evidence has been excluded by a ruling of the ALJ may offer the evidence for the record on appeal.

This section applies to information other than Sensitive Security Information (SSI). All release of SSI is governed by § 1503.415 and 49 CFR part 1520.

(a) The ALJ may order that any other information contained in the record be withheld from public disclosure. Any person may object to disclosure of information in the record by filing a written motion to withhold specific information with the ALJ and serving a copy of the motion on each party. The party must state the specific grounds for nondisclosure in the motion.

(b) The ALJ must grant the motion to withhold information in the record if, based on the motion and any response to the motion, the ALJ determines that disclosure would be detrimental to transportation safety, disclosure would not be in the public interest, or that the information is not otherwise required to be made available to the public.

An employee of the agency may not be called as an expert or opinion witness, for any party other than TSA, in any proceeding governed by this subpart. An employee of a respondent may not be called by an agency attorney as an expert or opinion witness for TSA in any proceeding governed by this subpart to which the respondent is a party.

(a) Request for subpoena. A party may obtain a subpoena to compel the attendance of a witness at a deposition or hearing, or to require the production of documents or tangible items, from the ALJ who is assigned to the case, or, if no ALJ is assigned or the assigned law judge is unavailable, from the chief ALJ. The party must complete the subpoena, stating the title of the action and the date and time for the witness' attendance or production of documents or items. The party who obtained the subpoena must serve the subpoena on the witness or the custodian of the documents or tangible items sought to be produced.

(b) Motion to quash or modify the subpoena. A party, or any person upon whom a subpoena has been served, may file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena at or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance. The applicant must describe, in detail, the basis for the application to quash or modify the subpoena including, but not limited to, a statement that the testimony, document, or tangible evidence is not relevant to the proceeding, that the subpoena is not reasonably tailored to the scope of the proceeding, or that the subpoena is unreasonable and oppressive. A motion to quash or modify the subpoena will stay the effect of the subpoena pending a decision by the ALJ on the motion.

(c) Enforcement of subpoena. Upon a showing that a person has failed or refused to comply with a subpoena, a party may apply to the U.S. district court having jurisdiction to seek judicial enforcement of the subpoena in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 46104.

(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized by the ALJ, the party who applies for a subpoena to compel the attendance of a witness at a deposition or hearing, or the party at whose request a witness appears at a deposition or hearing, must pay the witness fees described in this section.

(b) Amount. Except for an employee of the agency who appears at the direction of the agency, a witness who appears at a deposition or hearing is entitled to the same fees and mileage expenses as are paid to a witness in a court of the United States in comparable circumstances.

(a) Exclusive record. The request for hearing, complaint, answer, transcript of all testimony in the hearing, all exhibits received into evidence, and all motions, responses to motions, applications, requests, and rulings will constitute the exclusive record for decision of the proceedings and the basis for the issuance of any orders in the proceeding.

(b) Examination and copying of record. (1) Generally. Any person interested in reviewing or obtaining a copy of a record may do so only by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request under 5 U.S.C. 552, et seq., 49 CFR part 7, and any applicable DHS regulations. Portions of the record may be exempt from disclosure pursuant to FOIA.

(2) Docket Files or Documents Not for Public Disclosure. (i) Only the following persons may review docket files or particular documents that are not for public disclosure:

(A) Parties to the proceedings.

(B) Their designated representatives.

(C) Persons who have a need to know as determined by the Administrator.

(ii) Those persons with permission to review these documents or docket files may view the materials at the TSA Headquarters, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, Virginia 20598-6002. Persons with access to these records may have a copy of the records after payment of reasonable costs.

(a) Arguments during the hearing. During the hearing, the ALJ must give the parties a reasonable opportunity to present arguments on the record supporting or opposing motions, objections, and rulings if the parties request an opportunity for argument. The ALJ may request written arguments during the hearing if the ALJ finds that submission of written arguments is necessary before the ALJ issues the ruling or order.

(b) Final oral argument. At the conclusion of the hearing and before the ALJ issues an initial decision in the proceedings, the parties are entitled to submit oral proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, exceptions to rulings of the ALJ, and supporting arguments for the findings, conclusions, or exceptions. At the conclusion of the hearing, a party may waive final oral argument.

(c) Posthearing briefs. The ALJ may request written posthearing briefs before the ALJ issues an initial decision in the proceedings. If a party files a written posthearing brief, the party must include proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, exceptions to rulings of the ALJ, and supporting arguments for the findings, conclusions, or exceptions. The ALJ must give the parties a reasonable opportunity, not more than 30 days after receipt of the transcript, to prepare and submit the briefs.

(a) Contents. The ALJ may issue an initial decision after the conclusion of the hearing or after the submission of written posthearing briefs, if so ordered. In each oral or written decision, the ALJ must include findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the grounds supporting those findings and conclusions, upon all material issues of fact, the credibility of witnesses, the applicable law, any exercise of the ALJ's discretion, the amount of any civil penalty found appropriate by the ALJ, and a discussion of the basis for any order issued in the proceedings. The ALJ is not required to provide a written explanation for rulings on objections, procedural motions, and other matters not directly relevant to the substance of the initial decision. If the ALJ refers to any previous unreported or unpublished initial decision, the ALJ must make copies of that initial decision available to all parties and the TSA decision maker.

(b) Written decision. At the conclusion of the hearing, the ALJ may issue the initial decision and order orally on the record. The ALJ must issue a written initial decision and order not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing or submission of the last posthearing brief. The ALJ must serve a copy of any written initial decision on each party.

(c) Order assessing civil penalty. Unless appealed pursuant to § 1503.657, the initial decision issued by the ALJ will be considered an order assessing civil penalty if the ALJ finds that an alleged violation occurred and determines that a civil penalty, in an amount found appropriate by the ALJ, is warranted.

(d) Effect of initial decision. An initial decision of an ALJ is persuasive authority in any other civil penalty action, unless appealed and reversed by the TSA decision maker or a court of competent jurisdiction.

(a) Notice of appeal. Either party may appeal the initial decision, and any decision not previously appealed pursuant to § 1503.631, by filing a notice of appeal with the Enforcement Docket Clerk. A party must file the notice of appeal with USCG ALJ Docketing Center, ATTN: Enforcement Docket Clerk, 40 S. Gay Street, Room 412, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4022. A party must file the notice of appeal not later than 10 days after entry of the oral initial decision on the record or service of the written initial decision on the parties and must serve a copy of the notice of appeal on each party. Upon filing of a notice of appeal, the effectiveness of the initial decision is stayed until a final decision and order of the TSA decision maker have been entered on the record.

(b) Issues on appeal. A party may appeal only the following issues:

(1) Whether each finding of fact is supported by a preponderance of the evidence.

(2) Whether each conclusion of law is made in accordance with applicable law, precedent, and public policy.

(3) Whether the ALJ committed any prejudicial errors during the hearing that support the appeal.

(c) Perfecting an appeal. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a party must perfect an appeal, not later than 50 days after entry of the oral initial decision on the record or service of the written initial decision on the party, by filing an appeal brief with the Enforcement Docket Clerk.

(1) Extension of time by agreement of the parties. The parties may agree to extend the time for perfecting the appeal with the consent of the TSA decision maker. If the TSA decision maker grants an extension of time to perfect the appeal, the Enforcement Docket Clerk will serve a letter confirming the extension of time on each party.

(2) Written motion for extension. If the parties do not agree to an extension of time for perfecting an appeal, a party desiring an extension of time may file a written motion for an extension with the Enforcement Docket Clerk and must serve a copy of the motion on each party. The TSA decision maker may grant an extension if good cause for the extension is shown in the motion.

(d) Appeal briefs. A party must file the appeal brief with the Enforcement Docket Clerk and must serve a copy of the appeal brief on each party.

(1) In the appeal brief, a party must set forth, in detail, the party's specific objections to the initial decision or rulings, the basis for the appeal, the reasons supporting the appeal, and the relief requested in the appeal. If, for the appeal, the party relies on evidence contained in the record for the appeal, the party must specifically refer in the appeal brief to the pertinent evidence contained in the transcript.

(2) The TSA decision maker may dismiss an appeal, on the TSA decision maker's own initiative or upon motion of any other party, where a party has filed a notice of appeal but fails to perfect the appeal by timely filing an appeal brief.

(e) Reply brief. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, any party may file a reply brief not later than 35 days after the appeal brief has been served on that party. The party filing the reply brief must serve a copy of the reply brief on each party. If the party relies on evidence contained in the record for the reply, the party must specifically refer to the pertinent evidence contained in the transcript in the reply brief.

(1) Extension of time by agreement of the parties. The parties may agree to extend the time for filing a reply brief with the consent of the TSA decision maker. If the TSA decision maker grants an extension of time to file the reply brief, the Enforcement Docket Clerk will serve a letter confirming the extension of time on each party.

(2) Written motion for extension. If the parties do not agree to an extension of time for filing a reply brief, a party desiring an extension of time may file a written motion for an extension and will serve a copy of the motion on each party. The TSA decision maker may grant an extension if good cause for the extension is shown in the motion.

(f) Other briefs. The TSA decision maker may allow any person to submit an amicus curiae brief in an appeal of an initial decision. A party may not file more than one appeal brief or reply brief. A party may petition the TSA decision maker, in writing, for leave to file an additional brief and must serve a copy of the petition on each party. The party may not file the additional brief with the petition. The TSA decision maker may grant leave to file an additional brief if the party demonstrates good cause for allowing additional argument on the appeal. The TSA decision maker will allow a reasonable time for the party to file the additional brief.

(g) Number of copies. A party must file the original appeal brief or the original reply brief, and two copies of the brief, with the Enforcement Docket Clerk.

(h) Oral argument. The TSA decision maker has sole discretion to permit oral argument on the appeal. On the TSA decision maker's own initiative or upon written motion by any party, the TSA decision maker may find that oral argument will contribute substantially to the development of the issues on appeal and may grant the parties an opportunity for oral argument.

(i) Waiver of objections on appeal. If a party fails to object to any alleged error regarding the proceedings in an appeal or a reply brief, the party waives any objection to the alleged error. The TSA decision maker is not required to consider any objection in an appeal brief or any argument in the reply brief if a party's objection is based on evidence contained in the record and the party does not specifically refer to the pertinent evidence from the record in the brief.

(j) The TSA decision maker's decision on appeal. The TSA decision maker will review the briefs on appeal and the oral argument, if any, to determine if the ALJ committed prejudicial error in the proceedings or that the initial decision should be affirmed, modified, or reversed. The TSA decision maker may affirm, modify, or reverse the initial decision, make any necessary findings, or may remand the case for any proceedings that the TSA decision maker determines may be necessary.

(1) The TSA decision maker may raise any issue, on the TSA decision maker's own initiative, that is required for proper disposition of the proceedings. The TSA decision maker will give the parties a reasonable opportunity to submit arguments on the new issues before making a decision on appeal. If an issue raised by the TSA decision maker requires the consideration of additional testimony or evidence, the TSA decision maker will remand the case to the ALJ for further proceedings and an initial decision related to that issue. If the TSA decision maker raises an issue that is solely an issue of law, or the issue was addressed at the hearing but was not raised by a party in the briefs on appeal, the TSA decision maker need not remand the case to the ALJ for further proceedings but has the discretion to do so.

(2) The TSA decision maker will issue the final decision and order of the Administrator on appeal in writing and will serve a copy of the decision and order on each party. Unless a petition for review is filed pursuant to § 1503.659, a final decision and order of the Administrator will be considered an order assessing civil penalty if the TSA decision maker finds that an alleged violation occurred and a civil penalty is warranted.

(3) A final decision and order of the Administrator after appeal is binding precedent in any other civil penalty action unless appealed and reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(4) The TSA decision maker will determine whether the decision and order of the TSA decision maker, with the ALJ's initial decision or order attached, may be released to the public, either in whole or in redacted form. In making this determination, the TSA decision maker will consider whether disclosure of any of the information in the decision and order would be detrimental to transportation security, would not be in the public interest, or should not otherwise be required to be made available to the public.

(a) General. Any party may petition the TSA decision maker to reconsider or modify a final decision and order issued by the TSA decision maker on appeal from an initial decision. A party must file a petition to reconsider or modify not later than 30 days after service of the TSA decision maker's final decision and order on appeal and must serve a copy of the petition on each party. The TSA decision maker will not reconsider or modify an initial decision and order issued by an ALJ that has not been appealed by any party to the TSA decision maker and filed with the Enforcement Docket Clerk.

(b) Form and number of copies. A party must file in writing a petition to reconsider or modify. The party must file the original petition with the Enforcement Docket Clerk and must serve a copy of the petition on each party.

(c) Contents. A party must state briefly and specifically the alleged errors in the final decision and order on appeal, the relief sought by the party, and the grounds that support the petition to reconsider or modify.

(1) If the petition is based, in whole or in part, on allegations regarding the consequences of the TSA decision maker's decision, the party must describe and support those allegations.

(2) If the petition is based, in whole or in part, on new material not previously raised in the proceedings, the party must set forth the new material and include affidavits of prospective witnesses and authenticated documents that would be introduced in support of the new material. The party must explain, in detail, why the new material was not discovered through due diligence prior to the hearing.

(d) Repetitious and frivolous petitions. The TSA decision maker will not consider repetitious or frivolous petitions. The TSA decision maker may summarily dismiss repetitious or frivolous petitions to reconsider or modify.

(e) Reply petitions. Any other party may reply to a petition to reconsider or modify, not later than 30 days after service of the petition on that party, by filing a reply with the Enforcement Docket Clerk. A party must serve a copy of the reply on each party.

(f) Effect of filing petition. Unless otherwise ordered by the TSA decision maker, filing a petition pursuant to this section will stay the effective date of the TSA decision maker's final decision and order on appeal.

(g) The TSA decision maker's decision on petition. The TSA decision maker has sole discretion to grant or deny a petition to reconsider or modify. The TSA decision maker will grant or deny a petition to reconsider or modify within a reasonable time after receipt of the petition or receipt of the reply petition, if any. The TSA decision maker may affirm, modify, or reverse the final decision and order on appeal, or may remand the case for any proceedings that the TSA decision maker determines may be necessary.

For violations of a TSA requirement, a party may petition for review of a final order of the Administrator only to the courts of appeals of the United States or the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 46110. A party seeking judicial review of a final order must file a petition for review not later than 60 days after the final order has been served on the party.