What step is primarily involved in gathering feedback from the public in the administrative rule-making process?

The gathering of feedback from the public in the administrative rule-making process is most accurately characterized by the step of public participation. This phase is crucial because it allows stakeholders, including community members and interest groups, to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding proposed rules.

Engaging the public in this manner is essential for ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the regulatory process. It not only helps policy makers to understand the potential impact of proposed rules but also increases public trust in governmental processes by demonstrating that the voices of citizens are valued and considered. This participatory approach can lead to more informed and equitable outcomes in policy development.

The planning phase is more focused on the organizational aspects of starting the rule-making process, while implementation deals with putting the rules into action after they have been developed. Authorization involves the formal approval of the rules by relevant authorities, ensuring that the regulations are sanctioned before they can be enforced. Thus, while each of these steps is crucial to the overall process, the act of gathering public feedback is distinctly highlighted in the public participation step.