Section 34-8-169. Commissioner's authority to contract with outside entities to provide debt collection services

   (a) For the purpose of collecting delinquent contributions, interest, and penalties, the Commissioner may enter into an agreement with one or more private persons, companies, associations, or corporations providing debt collection services with respect to the collection of delinquent contributions, administrative assessments, interest, and penalties. The agreement may provide, at the discretion of the Commissioner, the rate of payment and the manner in which compensation for services shall be paid. The compensation, fees, and expenses may be added to the amount of the delinquent contributions, interest, and penalties and may be collected by the contractor from the debtor. The Commissioner shall provide the necessary information for the contractor to fulfill its obligation under the agreement.

(b) At the discretion of the Commissioner, the contractor may, as part of the collection process, refer the debt to legal representatives for litigation in the name of the Commissioner.

(c) No action taken by the Commissioner pursuant to this Code section shall be construed to be an election to forgo other collection procedures in this article.

Code 1981, § 34-8-169, enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 139, § 1; Ga. L. 2004, p. 631, § 34.