(a) The attorney general shall determine whether a hearing on an application for compensation under this chapter is necessary.
(b) On determining that a hearing is not necessary, the attorney general may approve the application.

(c) On determining that a hearing is necessary or on request for a hearing by the applicant, the attorney general shall consider the application at a hearing at a time and place of the attorney general’s choosing. The attorney general shall notify all interested persons not later than the 10th day before the date of the hearing.
(d) At the hearing the attorney general shall:
(1) review the application for compensation; and
(2) receive other evidence that the attorney general finds necessary or desirable to evaluate the application properly.
(e) The attorney general may appoint hearing officers to conduct hearings or prehearing conferences under this chapter.
(f) A hearing or prehearing conference is open to the public unless the hearing officer or attorney general determines in a particular case that all or part of the hearing or conference should be held in private because a private hearing or conference is in the interest of the applicant.
(g) Subchapters C through H, Chapter 2001, Government Code, do not apply to the attorney general or the attorney general’s orders and decisions.