It shall be the duty of the department to study, consider, accumulate, compile, assemble, and disseminate information on any aspect of Indian affairs; to investigate relief needs of Indians of Georgia and to provide technical assistance in the preparation of plans for the alleviation of such needs; to confer with appropriate officials of local, state, and federal governments, and agencies of these governments, and with such congressional committees that may be concerned with Indian affairs, in order to encourage and implement coordination of applicable resources to meet the needs of Indians in Georgia; to cooperate with and secure the assistance of the local, state, and federal governments, or any agencies thereof, in formulating any such programs and to coordinate such programs with any programs regarding Indian affairs adopted or planned by the federal government, to the end that the department secures the full benefit of such programs; to review all proposed or pending state legislation and amendments to existing state legislation affecting Indians in Georgia; to conduct public hearings on matters relating to Indian affairs; to subpoena any information or documents deemed necessary by the department; to study the existing status of recognition of all Indian groups, tribes, and communities presently existing in the state; to establish appropriate procedures to provide for legal recognition by the state of presently unrecognized groups and to initiate procedures for their recognition by the federal government; to expend funds in compliance with state regulations; to make legislative recommendations; and to make and publish reports of findings and recommendations.