ALJDEC decisions subject to certification as final
2023A-11669-RFA-LS-ROC · Registrar of Contractors · 2025-11-03
IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
Brooke Stebbins,
COMPLAINANT,
v.
Hardrives, LLC
License No. ROC 322705,
RESPONDENT.
No. 2023A-11669-RFA-LS-ROC
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
JUDGE DECISION
HEARING: October 27, 2025
APPEARANCES: Complainant Brooke Stebbins appeared on her own behalf, with her husband Cliff Stebbins. Respondent Hardrives, LLC failed to appear. Assistant Attorney General Mona Baskin represented the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Madelyn Hayes appeared as a witness for the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE: Sondra J. Vanella
EXHIBITS ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE: None
FINDINGS OF FACT
The hearing in this matter was set due to Hardrives, LLC’s (“Respondent”) appeal of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ (“Registrar”) determination regarding Brooke Stebbins’ (“Complainant”) Recovery Fund Claim.
Respondent failed to appear at the hearing notwithstanding proper notice. The Tribunal waited approximately fifteen (15) minutes beyond the scheduled start time, however, Respondent did not appear through an authorized representative or an attorney, nor did Respondent request that the hearing be continued or provide any cause for the absence or delay.
The Registrar made a Motion to Dismiss Respondent’s appeal and requested that the matter be remanded to the Registrar for further proceedings consistent with the Notice of Administrative Award issued in this matter.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
Because Respondent filed the appeal giving rise to the instant hearing, Respondent is the party that bears the burden of proof in this proceeding.
By failing to appear at the hearing, Respondent did not meet the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the Registrar’s proposed administrative award is improper, erroneous, or contrary to law.
RECOMMENDED ORDER
Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that on the effective date of the Registrar’s Order, Respondent’s appeal be dismissed.
In the event of certification of the Administrative Law Judge Decision by the Director of the Office of Administrative Hearings, the effective date of the Order will be forty (40) days from the date of that certification.
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-137160-45720000Done this day, November 3, 2025.
/s/ Sondra J. Vanella
Administrative Law Judge
Transmitted by either mail, e-mail, or facsimile to:
Tom Cole, Director
Registrar of Contractors
Brooke Stebbins
[email redacted]
Hardrives, LLC
[email redacted]
Mona Baskin
Assistant Attorney General
[email redacted]
By: OAH Staff