SECTION 150:1-17-5. Opportunity to comment

(a)   Prior to the adoption, amendment or repeal of a rule, the Department shall afford any interested person a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments, concerning such proposed action.

(b)   If the rule under consideration is one which affects the substantive rights of any person, the Department shall grant any person or association a reasonable opportunity to participate in an oral hearing, when so requested in writing. Oral argument on any rule shall also be granted when requested by a subdivision or agency of government. If substantive rights of the person, association or governmental entity are affected by or are involved in the rule to be considered, the Department may, in its discretion refuse to hear oral argument and require matters to be submitted in writing. The Department shall, in the exercise of its sound discretion, determine whether the proposed action affects any substantive rights.

(c)   The Department shall consider fully all written and oral submissions respecting the proposed rule.