(a) Scope of rule. This rule governs only official notice of
adjudicative facts.
(b) Kinds of facts. An officially noticed fact must be one not
subject to reasonable dispute in that it is either:
(1) Generally known within the local area,
(2) Capable of accurate and ready determination by resort to sources
whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned, or
(3) Derived from a not reasonably questioned scientific, medical or
other technical process, technique, principle, or explanatory theory
within the administrative agency's specialized field of knowledge.
(c) When discretionary. A judge may take official notice, whether
requested or not.
(d) When mandatory. A judge shall take official notice if requested
by a party and supplied with the necessary information.
(e) Opportunity to be heard. A party is entitled, upon timely
request, to an opportunity to be heard as to the propriety of taking
official notice and the tenor of the matter noticed. In the absence of
prior notification, the request may be made after official notice has
been taken.
(f) Time of taking notice. Official notice may be taken at any stage
of the proceeding.
(g) Effect of official notice. An officially noticed fact is
accepted as conclusive.
