(a) Any matter arising in the administration of this subchapter concerning which a hearing is required shall be heard by the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
(b) A decision of the majority of the members of the department shall constitute its decision.
(c) The department may assign or refer the matter to an employee or board of employees for hearing and written report and recommended order, and the department shall review and may determine the matter upon the record theretofore made.
(d) All hearings shall be held in the office of the department except that if in the discretion of the department circumstances justify it, hearings may be held at any place in the state.
(e) The members of the department, the secretary thereof, and employees designated by the department to hold hearings shall have the power to administer oaths and to issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, tariffs, contracts, agreements, and documents and to take testimony by deposition, relating to any matter under consideration.
(f) In connection with any proceedings under this subchapter in which a hearing is required, or is deemed necessary by the department, not less than ten (10) days' notice shall be afforded, except in hearings provided for in § 23-13-224. Opportunity for intervention by interested parties in connection with any such proceeding shall be afforded.
(g)
(1) The department or its designated employees are authorized to confer with or hold joint hearings with any authorities of the United States or any state, or any department of the State of Arkansas, in connection with any matter arising in any proceeding under this subchapter.
(2) This department is also authorized to avail itself of the cooperation, services, records, and facilities of such authorities as fully as may be necessary in the enforcement of any provision of this subchapter.