1. Unless precluded by statute, informal settlements of controversies that may culminate in contested case proceedings according to the provisions of this chapter are encouraged. Agencies shall prescribe by rule specific procedures for attempting such informal settlements prior to the commencement of contested case proceedings. This subsection shall not be construed to require either party to such a controversy to utilize the informal procedures or to settle the controversy pursuant to those informal procedures.
2. The parties to a contested case proceeding may, by written stipulation representing an informed mutual consent, waive any provision of this chapter relating to such proceedings. In addition to consenting to such a waiver in individual cases, an agency may, by rule, express its consent to such a waiver as to an entire class of cases.