(a)
(1) As soon as the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration learns of facts from which the secretary concludes that a claim may be filed under this chapter against the state or a state agency, the secretary shall investigate and take evidence concerning the claim.
(2) The secretary's duty under subdivision (a)(1) of this section applies whether or not the claim has already been filed at the time the secretary learns the relevant facts upon which the secretary bases his or her conclusion.
(3) Subdivision (a)(1) of this section does not apply to a claim for personal injury or death of a state employee.
(b) To carry out his or her duties under this section, the secretary may exercise all necessary investigatory powers conferred upon him or her by this chapter.
(c) All information acquired by the secretary under this section shall be made available to the Arkansas State Claims Commission before the hearing and determination of the claim.