Conduct of Oral Proceeding for Proposed Rule-Making

Conduct of Oral Proceeding for Proposed Rule-Making. A. Presiding officer. The presiding officer shall have authority to conduct the proceeding for proposed rule-making in his or her discretion for its orderly conduct. The presiding officer may: (1) call the proceeding to order; (2) allow for a brief synopsis of the proposed rule and a statement of the statutory authority for the proposed rule; (3) call on those individuals who desire to speak for or against the proposed rule; (4) allow for additional statements following all participants’ comments; and (5) adjourn the proceeding. B. Questions. Where time permits and to facilitate the exchange of information, the presiding officer may open the floor to questions or general discussion concerning the proposed rule. The presiding officer in his or her discretion may question participants and/or permit the questioning of participants by other participants about any matter relating to that rule-making proceeding, including any prior written submissions made by those participants; however, no participant shall be required to answer any question. C. Physical and Documentary Submissions. Submissions presented by participants in an oral proceeding with regard to proposed rule-making shall be submitted to the presiding officer. Such submissions become the property of the Commission and are subject to the Commission’s public records request procedures. D. Recording. The Commission or Department may record oral proceedings for the purpose of rule-making by stenographic or electronic means, at its discretion.