SECTION 155.51. Jurisdiction

(a) Acquisition of jurisdiction. SOAH acquires jurisdiction over a case when a referring agency completes and files a Request to Docket Case form. A separate Request to Docket Case form shall be completed and filed for each case referred to SOAH.

(b) When Request to Docket Case form is considered filed. A Request to Docket Case form shall be considered filed on the date the form is received and accepted by SOAH.

(c) Commencement of time periods. A period of time established by these rules shall not begin to run until SOAH acquires jurisdiction over a case.

(d) Effect of acquisition of jurisdiction by SOAH. After SOAH acquires jurisdiction, any party may initiate discovery or move for appropriate relief, including evidentiary rulings, continuances, summary disposition, and setting of proceedings. SOAH retains jurisdiction until it has concluded its involvement in the matter.

Source Note: The provisions of this §155.51 adopted to be effective November 26, 2008, 33 TexReg 9451; amended to be effective January 1, 2017, 41 TexReg 8593; amended to be effective November 29, 2020, 45 TexReg 8295