A bill to amend chapter 5, subchapter II, of title 5, United States Code, to provide for improved administrative procedures.

Authorizes employees of Federal agencies qualified to preside at hearings with respect to rulemaking, opinions, and orders to preside at administrative adjudications if the employee who normally presides at such adjudications is not available to do so. States that this sentence shall not apply: (1) in determining applications for initial licenses; (2) to proceedings involving the validity or application of rates, facilities, or practices of public facilities; or (3) to the agency or a member or members of the body comprising the agency.

Prohibits the agency employee presiding at the reception of evidence at administrative hearings from consulting with either side without notice and opportunity to be present being furnished to the other side, except to the extent this is unfeasible in ex parte hearings.