1. (a) The ombudsman or the person designated by the ombudsman to preside over a public comment hearing shall:

   1. (1) Refuse to recognize for speaking, or revoke the recognition of, any person who:

      1. a. Speaks or acts in an abusive or disruptive manner;
      2. b. Fails to keep comments relevant to the proposed rules that are the subject of the hearing; or
      3. c. Restates more than once what he or she has already stated; and
   2. (2) Limit presentations on behalf of the same organization or entity to no more than 3 persons, provided, however, that all persons present who represent the same organization or entity may enter their names and addresses on a card or list provided by the ombudsman stating that they support the position of those who speak on behalf of the organization or entity;

2. (b) Public comment hearings shall be open to all persons, including print and electronic media, subject to the following limitations, when such limitations are necessary to allow a hearing to proceed in an orderly manner:

   1. (1) Limitation on the placement of cameras or other items to specific locations within or adjacent to the hearing room;
   2. (2) Prohibition of interviews or conversations conducted within the hearing room before or during the hearing, or of interviews or conversations audible within the hearing room during the hearing; or
   3. (3) Prohibition of behavior that interferes with or disrupts the proceedings.

Source. #13921, eff 5-20-24