Public Hearing Cases

Public hearings are held by the Commission before an administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings in Anchorage, unless the Commission grants a change of venue for good cause shown. Hearings are open to the public.

A case may be taken to public hearing only after Commission staff investigate the complaint, determine that there is substantial evidence supporting the claim of discrimination, and the Commission is unable to conciliate the case. A formal accusation is filed and the person charged in the accusation is required to file a written answer. At the public hearing, Commission staff present the case in support of the accusation. The party charged in the accusation may appear at the hearing in person or telephonically, with or without counsel, and submit testimony and other evidence.

The admininstrative law judge issues a recommended decision. The Commissioners are responsible for making the final decision, which may be appealed to the Superior Court.