(a) On the date and at the time and place designated in the notice the agency shall give each interested person or the person's authorized representative, or both, the opportunity to present statements, arguments, or contentions in writing, with or without opportunity to present them orally. The state agency may accept material presented by any form of communication authorized by this chapter and shall consider all factual, substantive, and other relevant matter presented to it before adopting, amending, or repealing a regulation. When considering the factual, substantive, and other relevant matter, the agency shall pay special attention to the cost to private persons of the proposed regulatory action.
(b) At a hearing under this section the agency or its authorized representative may administer oaths or affirmations, and may continue or postpone the hearing to the time and place which it determines.