(a) The Insurance Commissioner may hold hearings for any purpose within the scope of the insurance laws of this state.
(b)
(1) The commissioner shall hold a hearing if required by any provision or upon written demand for a hearing by a person aggrieved by any act, threatened act, or failure of the commissioner to act, or by any report, rule, or order of the commissioner, other than an order for the holding of a hearing, or an order on hearing or pursuant thereto.
(2) Any demand shall specify the grounds to be relied upon as a basis for the relief to be demanded at the hearing, and unless postponed by mutual consent, the hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days after receipt by the commissioner of the demand.
(3) If the commissioner has a conflict or is otherwise unable to serve, the commissioner may appoint and compensate a person, including without limitation an attorney or retired judge, from outside the State Insurance Department to act as a hearing officer.
(c) Pending the hearing and decision thereon, the commissioner may suspend or postpone the effective date of the commissioner's previous action.