9. Within 180 days of the effective date of this act, the department, in accordance with the provisions of the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act. Not less than 60 days prior to the proposed adoption of any rules or regulations proposed by the department pursuant to this act, the department shall submit such proposed rules and regulations to the chairperson of the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee, or its successor, and the chairperson of the Assembly Regulatory Oversight Committee, or its successor. The department shall provide for a comment period of no less than 60 days prior to the adoption of the proposed rules or regulations, during which at least one public hearing shall be held for the purpose of obtaining comments on the proposed rules or regulations.

L.1995,c.296,s.9.