A hearing notice in a contested case must include required hearing details, legal authority, cited statutes and rules, and factual matters or an attached statement. In some cases the notice can start with only the issues, but detailed facts or newly relied-on statutes or rules must be supplied or amended by seven days before the hearing, with a possible seven-day continuance if an amendment is filed during the hearing.
Sec. 2001.052. CONTENTS OF NOTICE. (a) Notice of a hearing in a contested case must include: (1) a statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing; (2) a statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; (3) a reference to the particular sections of the statutes and rules involved; and (4) either: (A) a short, plain statement of the factual matters asserted; or (B) an attachment that incorporates by reference the factual matters asserted in the complaint or petition filed with the state agency. (b) If a state agency or other party is unable to state factual matters in detail at the time notice under this section is served, an initial notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved. On timely written application, a more definite and detailed statement of the facts shall be furnished not less than seven days before the date set for the hearing. In a proceeding in which the state agency has the burden of proof, a state agency that intends to rely on a section of a statute or rule not previously referenced in the notice of hearing must amend the notice, or the complaint or petition, if applicable, to refer to the section of the statute or rule not later than the seventh day before the date set for the hearing. This subsection does not prohibit the state agency from filing an amendment during the hearing of a contested case provided the opposing party is granted a continuance of at least seven days to prepare its case on request of the opposing party. (c) In a suit for judicial review of a final decision or order of a state agency in a contested case, the state agency's failure to comply with Subsection (a)(3) or (b) shall constitute prejudice to the substantial rights of the appellant under Section 2001.174(2) unless the court finds that the failure did not unfairly surprise and prejudice the appellant or that the appellant waived the appellant's rights. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 625 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 430 (S.B. 1446), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.