Section 10-1-789. Establishment of motor vehicle arbitration panel; compensation; conduct; liability

   (a) The administrator shall establish a new motor vehicle arbitration panel to resolve disputes between consumers and manufacturers arising under this article. The administrator, in his or her discretion, may operate the panel by contracting with public or private entities to conduct arbitrations under this article or by appointing individuals to serve as panel member arbitrators. An arbitrator shall be licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia or shall have at least two years' experience in professional arbitration or dispute resolution. No arbitrator shall be affiliated with or involved in the manufacture, distribution, sale, lease, or servicing of motor vehicles.

(b) Panel member arbitrators and entities that contract with the administrator to provide arbitration services shall be compensated for time and expenses at a rate to be determined by the administrator.

(c) Each arbitration proceeding shall be conducted by either one or three arbitrators, each of whom is to be assigned by the administrator or contracted entity.

(d) Neither the administrator, an entity with which the administrator has contracted, nor any arbitrator shall be civilly liable for any decision, action, statement, or omission made in connection with any proceeding under this article, except in circumstances where the decision, action, statement, or omission was made with malice or gross negligence.

Code 1981, § 10-1-789, enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 746, § 1/HB 470.