SECTION 310:1-7-4. Opportunity to submit data, views and arguments

  Prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule the Board shall afford any interested person a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments, either oral or written, concerning such proposed action. If the rule under consideration is one which affects the substantive rights of any person, the Board shall grant any person or association a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments, either oral or written, concerning such proposed action. If the rule under consideration is one which affects the substantive rights of any person, the Board shall grant any person or association a reasonable opportunity to participate in an oral hearing, when so requested in writing by the person or association. Oral argument on such a rule shall also be granted when requested by a subdivision or agency of government. If no substantive rights of the person, association, or governmental entity are affected by or involved in the rule to be considered, the Board may, in its discretion, refuse to hear oral argument and require exercise of its sound discretion, determine whether the proposed action affects any such substantive rights. The Board shall consider fully all written and oral submissions respecting the proposed rule.