When the board proposes to promulgate a rule other than an emergency rule, it shall file in the state register a notice of its action, including a text of the rule proposed, a fiscal note as defined in subsection (b) of section four, and any request for the submission of evidence to be presented on any factual determinations or inquiries required by law to promulgate such rule. If the board is considering alternative draft proposals, it may include the text thereof.

The notice shall fix a date, time and place for the taking of evidence for any findings and determinations which are a condition precedent to promulgation of the proposed rule and contain a general description of the issues to be decided. If no findings and determinations are required as a condition precedent to promulgation, the notice shall fix a date, time and place for receipt of public comment on such proposed rule.

If findings and determinations are a condition precedent to the promulgation of such rule, then an opportunity for public comment on the merits of the rule shall be afforded after such findings and determinations are made. In such event, notice of the hearing, or of the period for receiving public comment on the proposed rule, shall be attached to and filed as a part of the findings and determinations of the board when filed in the state register.

In any hearing for public comment on the merits of the rule, the board may limit presentations to written material. The time, date and place fixed in the notice shall constitute the last opportunity to submit any written material relevant to any hearing, all of which may be earlier submitted by filing with the board.

The board may also, at its expense, cause to be published as a Class I legal publication in every county of the state, any notice required by this section.

Any citizen or other interested party may appear and be heard at such hearings as are required by this section.