§ 519.19 - Consideration of public comment.

(a) Following publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to participate (60 days) in the rulemaking through the submission of written data, views and arguments to the proponent of the proposed rulemaking concerned.

(b) If the proponent of the rule determines that it is in the public interest, a hearing or other opportunity for oral presentation of view may be allowed as a means of facilitating public comment. Informal consultation by telephone or otherwise can also be utilized to facilitate presentation of oral comments by interested persons. All hearings or other oral presentations will be conducted by the proponent of the rule in a manner prescribed by him/her. A hearing file will be established for each hearing. The hearing file will include:

(1) Public notices issued;

(2) Request for the hearing;

(3) Data or material submitted in justification thereof;

(4) Materials submitted in opposition to the proposed action;

(5) Hearing transcript; and

(6) Any other material as may be relevant or pertinent to the subject matter of the hearing.

(c) There is no requirement to respond either orally or in writing, individually to any person who submits comments with respect to a proposed rule. The proponent of the rule, however, can do so as a matter within his/her discretion.