(a) The Office of State Administrative Hearings, established pursuant to Code Section 50-13-40, shall have the sole and exclusive authority to consider claims of wrongful conviction and incarceration in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(b) For purposes of considering claims of wrongful conviction and incarceration and awarding compensation pursuant to this chapter, an administrative law judge appointed pursuant to Code Section 50-13-40 shall be designated by the Office of State Administrative Hearings for each claim filed under this chapter.

(c) Any such administrative law judge shall be authorized to determine:

(1) Whether a claimant qualifies for compensation under this chapter; and

(2) The amount of compensation, if any, to be awarded under this chapter.