(1) ARM 24.9.301 through 24.9.331 contain rules of procedure for contested case proceedings before the human rights commission for all complaints filed before July 1, 1997.

(2) The commission will give liberal construction to the rules to effectuate the purposes of the human rights statutes of Montana within the commission's jurisdiction. "Liberal construction" means, without limitation, giving broad coverage and inclusive interpretation to human rights statutes and rules to assure enforcement and protection of the rights secured by them.

(3) The commission or a hearing examiner may suspend, waive or modify these rules for good cause to expedite decision, prevent manifest prejudice to a party, assure a fair hearing, or afford substantial justice.