(a) The Claims Advisory Board shall have authority to consider and make recommendations to the General Assembly concerning payment of compensation to innocent persons who sustain injury or property damage, or both, and to dependent heirs of innocent persons killed in attempting to prevent the commission of crime against the person of another or in aiding or attempting to aid officers of the law upon their request. In a particular case the board may appoint a special master to take testimony, supervise or conduct necessary investigations, and report to the board; but ultimate recommendation on any claim shall be made only by the board.

(b) The board shall provide by rules for proceedings before it; and such rules shall emphasize, to the greatest extent possible, informality of proceedings. No claimant shall be required to be represented or accompanied by an attorney.