Settlement negotiations.

§ 81.14 Settlement negotiations. (a) If the parties to a case file a joint motion requesting a stay of the proceedings for settlement negotiations, or for approval of a settlement agreement, the ALJ may grant a stay of the proceedings upon a finding of good cause. (b) Evidence of conduct or statements made during settlement negotiations is not admissible in any proceeding under this part. However, evidence that is otherwise discoverable may not be excluded merely because it was presented during settlement negotiations. (c) The parties may not disclose the contents of settlement negotiations to the ALJ. If the parties enter into a settlement agreement and file a joint motion to dismiss the case, the ALJ grants the motion. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 554(c)(1), 1221e–3, 1234(f)(1), and 3474(a)) [54 FR 19512, May 5, 1989, as amended at 58 FR 43473, Aug. 16, 1993]