Section 150.670  Continuances and Extensions of Time

a)         A request for continuance of a hearing is directed to the sound discretion of the Hearing Officer to whom the case has been assigned for hearing.  Such request may be granted, for good cause shown, provided the request is received by the Department not less than three (3) days prior to the hearing date unless good cause is shown within the three days or during the hearing due to the need for new evidence, sudden unavailability of counsel, sudden illness of a party, or similar reason.  Such request prior to the Hearing shall be in writing and shall set forth the grounds alleged therefor. "Good cause" is shown when a Petitioner or Respondent demonstrates a real and compelling need for additional time.  "A real and compelling need" includes, but is not limited to, service in the armed forces, serious illness, family death, act of God, relating to either party or that party's attorney.

b)         No Formal Hearing shall be continued "generally".  A continuance, when granted, shall state a date certain, not more than sixty (60) days from the prior hearing date at which time the hearing shall reconvene.

(Source:  Amended at 13 Ill. Reg. 19592, effective December 1, 1989)