Small claims adjudication

1. Law
2. Arkansas Code
3. Public Finance
4. Claims Against the State
5. Arkansas State Claims Commission
6. Small claims adjudication

1. (a)

   1. (1) The Arkansas State Claims Commission may establish a small claims adjudication process for claims or actions seeking one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less.

   2. (2) The small claims adjudication process shall provide that claims or actions be given docket priority, and the use of informal discovery, hearings utilizing teleconferencing or other off-site communications technology, and relaxed procedural rules are encouraged to facilitate efficient and timely resolution.

2. (b)

   1. (1) A claim or action seeking one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less may be:

      1. (A) Assigned to be heard by one (1) commissioner of the commission; and

      2. (B) Decided by the commissioner on the basis of the pleadings alone.

   2. (2) If a claimant objects to having the claim or action heard as a small claims adjudication under this section, the claimant may request that the claim or action be heard in the usual manner for similar claims or actions.

3. (c) Before a proposed written final order of a small claims adjudication under this section is considered final for the purposes of award or appeal, the proposed written final order shall be reviewed by a panel consisting of:

   1. (1) The commissioner of the commission assigned to the claim or action; and

   2. (2) Two (2) other commissioners of the commission.

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