AS 44.64.010: Office created.

(a) There is created in the Department of Administration an independent office of administrative hearings under the direction of the chief administrative law judge.

(b) The chief administrative law judge must

(1) be a resident of the state;

(2) have experience in administrative law;

(3) be licensed to practice law in this state and have been admitted to practice law in this state for at least five years; and

(4) have experience representing clients in administrative or judicial proceedings.

(c) The chief administrative law judge is appointed to a five-year term of office by the governor and is subject to confirmation by the legislature. An individual may serve not more than three full or partial terms as chief administrative law judge. The governor may remove the chief administrative law judge from office only for good cause. The basis for removal shall be stated in writing. A vacancy in the office of chief administrative law judge shall be filled by the governor, and the individual appointed serves for the remainder of the term to which appointed.

(d) The chief administrative law judge shall receive a monthly salary that is equal to a step in Range 27 of the salary schedule in AS 39.27.011(a). The chief administrative law judge is in the partially exempt service.