Compromise or settlement of claims - authority

(1) A claim against the state or against a state official or employee whose defense has been assumed by the state may be compromised or settled on behalf of the state according to the requirements set forth in subsection (2) of this section. Prior to settling a claim of more than fifty thousand dollars, the board or the person authorized to settle the claim shall consult with the head of the affected state agency to assess the appropriateness of the proposed compromise or settlement amount. In settling a claim, the board or the person authorized to settle the claim may require the execution and presentation of those documents required by rule and regulation including those documents which discharge or hold harmless the state of all liability under the claim. (2) (a) The following parties are authorized to make compromises or settlements on behalf of the state in the following amounts: (I) A claims adjuster employed by the department of personnel or under contract with the department of personnel is authorized to settle claims for an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars; (II) The claims manager of the department of personnel is authorized to settle and direct payment in settlement of claims for an amount not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars; (III) The state risk manager is authorized to settle and direct payment in settlement of claims for an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars; (IV) The executive director is authorized to settle and direct payment in settlement of claims for an amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars; (V) The board is authorized to settle and direct payment in settlement of claims for an amount of one hundred thousand dollars or more but not to exceed the maximum liability limits under the "Colorado Governmental Immunity Act", as set forth in section 24-10-114. (b) The board is authorized to settle and direct payments in settlement of claims brought under federal law. (3) Disbursements from the risk management fund for claims compromised or settled in accordance with this part 15 shall be paid by the state treasurer upon warrants drawn in accordance with law upon vouchers issued by the department of personnel upon order of the board or person authorized in subsection (2) of this section to make such compromise or settlement. (4) The provisions of the "State Administrative Procedure Act", article 4 of this title, shall not be applicable to the payment or settlement of claims pursuant to this part 15. Any person or party adversely affected or aggrieved in compromising or settling a claim shall pursue such remedy in a district court of this state pursuant to the Colorado rules of civil procedure.