44-332. Arizona unclaimed property assistance office; unclaimed property problem resolution officer; duties; program termination

A. The Arizona unclaimed property assistance office is established as an office in the department. The director shall select the employees of the office including a manager who is the unclaimed property problem resolution officer. The office reports directly to the director s office. The employees of the office may include employees of the department and may also include residents of this state with knowledge of unclaimed property.

B. The office shall assist holders of unclaimed property in:

1. Obtaining easily understandable unclaimed property information and information on audits, corrections and appeals procedures of the department.

2. Answering questions regarding preparing and filing reports with the department.

3. Locating documents or payments filed with or submitted to the department by holders.

C. The office shall also:

1. Receive and evaluate complaints of improper, abusive or inefficient service by employees of the department and recommend to the director appropriate action to correct that service.

2. Identify policies and practices of the department that may be barriers to the equitable treatment of holders and recommend alternatives to the director.

3. Provide expeditious service to holders whose problems are not resolved through normal channels.

4. Negotiate with department personnel to resolve the most complex and sensitive holder problems.

5. Take action to stop or prohibit the department from taking an action against a holder.

6. Participate and represent holders interests and concerns in planning meetings, reviewing instructions and formulating department policies and procedures.

7. Compile data each year on the number and type of holder complaints and evaluate the actions taken to resolve complaints.

8. Survey holders each year to obtain their evaluation of the quality of service provided by the department.

9. Perform other functions that relate to holder assistance as prescribed by the director.

D. Actions taken by the office may be reviewed only by the director on request of the department or a holder. The director may modify action taken by the office.

E. The program established by this section ends on July 1, 2010 pursuant to section 41-3102.