Ky. Sup. Ct. Order 2022-59 § 3

An order of reference to the master commissioner or local rules of court may

specify or limit the master commissioner’s powers, and may direct him or her

to report only upon particular issues, or to perform particular acts, or to

receive and report evidence only. The order of reference may fix the time and

place for beginning and closing the acts or issues referenced, and for the filing

of the master commissioner's report. The master commissioner shall exercise

the power to regulate all proceedings before him or her and to take all

measures necessary for the efficient performance of his or her duties, subject

to the specifications and limitations stated in the order of reference or local

rules of court. The master commissioner may require the production of

evidence upon matters included in the order of reference, such as the

production of all books, papers, vouchers, documents, and writings. The

master commissioner may rule upon the admissibility of evidence, unless

otherwise directed by the order of reference, and has the authority to put

witnesses and parties under oath and examine same. The master

commissioner shall make a record of the evidence offered and excluded in the

same manner and subject to the same limitations as may be provided in

applicable Rules of Civil Procedure and/or Rules of Evidence for a court sitting

without a jury.