TCA § 71-4-507 — Dispute resolution

Except as stated in subsection (b), if a dispute arises between the management of public property and the department concerning any matter contained in this part, then either party may file a complaint setting forth the dispute with the secretary of state. Within ten (10) days of the filing of the complaint, the secretary of state shall appoint an administrative law judge from the administrative procedures division of the secretary of state's office who shall set an administrative hearing to be held under the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 3, within thirty (30) days of the appointment, unless for good cause shown a later time is deemed necessary. Notwithstanding other provisions of the law to the contrary, the secretary of state or the secretary of state's designee has the authority to render a final order following entry of an initial order by the administrative law judge. Such order shall be appealable as provided by § 4-5-322. The secretary of state shall be without jurisdiction to hear any complaint concerning the qualifications or status of a licensed or temporary manager who is operating under a license or agreement of the department, and shall be without jurisdiction to hear or establish any damage award for or against any person, any officer or employee of the state, or any public property's governing body or its officers or employees. The case may be heard and decided entirely upon stipulations and briefs of all parties without the presentation of oral or other written evidence, it being the intent of the general assembly to allow for an early resolution to the disputes arising under this part.