(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) 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.
(3) A claim or action seeking one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less may be: Assigned to be heard by one (1) commissioner of the commission; and
(4) Decided by the commissioner on the basis of the pleadings alone.
(5) 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.
(6) 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: The commissioner of the commission assigned to the claim or action; and
(7) Two (2) other commissioners of the commission.