§ 577.12 - Intervention.

(a) Persons other than the respondent may be permitted to participate as parties if the presiding official finds that:

(1) The final decision could directly and adversely affect them or the class they represent;

(2) They may contribute materially to the disposition of the proceedings;

(3) Their interest is not adequately represented by existing parties; and

(4) Intervention would not unfairly prejudice existing parties or delay resolution of the proceeding.

(b) If a tribe has jurisdiction over lands on which there is a gaming operation that is the subject of a proceeding under this part, and the tribe is not already a named party, such tribe may intervene as a matter of right.

(c) A person not named as a party and who wishes to participate as a party under this section shall submit a petition to the presiding official within ten (10) days after the person knew or should have known about the proceeding. The petition shall be filed with the presiding official and served on each person who has been made a part at the time of filing. The petition shall state concisely:

(1) Petitioner's interest in the proceeding;

(2) How his or her participation as a party will contribute materially to the disposition of the proceeding;

(3) Who will appear for petitioner;

(4) The issues on which petitioner wishes to participate; and

(5) Whether petitioner wishes to present witnesses.

(d) Objections to the petition may be filed by any party within ten (10) days after service of the petition.

(e) When petitions to participate as parties are made by individuals or groups with common interests, the presiding official may request all such petitioners to designate a single representative, or he or she may recognize one or more petitioners.

(f) The presiding official shall give each petitioner, as well as the parties, written notice of the presiding official's decision on the petition. For each petition granted, the presiding official shall provide a brief statement of the basis of the decision. If the petition is denied, the presiding official shall briefly state the grounds for denial and may then treat the petition as a request for participation as amicus curiae (that is, “friend of the court”).