Ed. Code, § 88131

The commission may authorize a hearing officer or other representative to conduct any hearing or investigation which the commission itself is authorized by this article to conduct. Any such authorized person conducting such hearing or investigation may administer oaths, subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books or papers, and cause the depositions of witnesses to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for like depositions in civil cases in the superior court of this state under Title 4 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The commission may instruct such authorized representative to present findings or recommendations. The commission may accept, reject or amend any of the findings or recommendations of the said authorized representative. Any rejection or amendment of findings or recommendations shall be based either on a review of the transcript of the hearing or investigation or upon the results of such supplementary hearing or investigation as the commission may order.

The commission may employ by contract or as professional experts or otherwise any such hearing officers or other representatives and may adopt and amend such rules and procedures as may be necessary to effectuate this section.