Section 44-12-222 - Determination of claim; hearing(a) The commissioner shall consider any claim filed under this article, and in rendering a determination on the merits of any such claim, shall rely on the applicable statutes, regulations, and relevant court decisions.(b) In his or her sole discretion, the commissioner may hold a hearing and receive evidence concerning any unclaimed property claim filed under this article. If a hearing is held, the commissioner, or his or her designated representative, shall consider evidence that would be admissible in contested cases under Chapter 13 of Title 50, the "Georgia Administrative Procedure Act." In any proceeding for determination of a claim to property, the burden shall be upon the claimant, or the claimant's agent, including a claimant's designated representative, to establish entitlement to the property by a preponderance of evidence.(c) If a hearing is held, the commissioner, or his or her designated representative, shall prepare a finding and a decision in writing on each claim filed, stating the substance of any evidence heard by him or her and the reasons for his or her decision. The decision shall be a public record and deemed the final agency decision.(d) If the claim is approved, the commissioner shall make payment pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section 44-12-220. Claims shall be paid without deduction for costs of notice.Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 81,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2024.