3001.29—Settlement conferences.
Any participant in a proceeding may submit offers of settlement or proposals of adjustment at any time and may request a conference between the participants to consider such offers or proposals. The Commission or the presiding officer shall afford the participants appropriate opportunity prior to or during the hearing for conferences for the purpose of considering such offers or proposals as time, the nature of the proceeding, and the public interest permit. Unaccepted offers of settlement or adjustment and proposed stipulations not agreed to shall be privileged and shall not be admissible in evidence against any participant claiming such privilege.