(a)  Prior to the issuance of the order and notice of hearing set forth in sections 1-21j-29 and 1-21j-34 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, any party to a contested case may request in writing that such case be heard at a designated time and date.  The executive director or his or her designee shall give due consideration to such request subject to the requirements set forth in section 1-21i(b)* of the general statutes and the convenience of the commission or presiding officer.

(b)  After the order and notice of hearing set forth in sections 1-21j-29 and 1-21j-34 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies have been issued, no request for continuance or postponement of hearing shall be granted or permitted unless such request:  (1) is in writing signed by each party to the contested case, or by each such party's attorney, agent or other duly authorized representative; and (2) states as the reason for the continuance or postponement that the parties are in the process of negotiating a settlement or other resolution of the case and that a continuance or postponement of the hearing is necessary to facilitate the successful completion of such settlement or resolution.