Opinion ID: 1750362
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Ministerial-act exception

Text: We will first address whether the action to quiet title falls under the ministerial-act exception to sovereign immunity. If the state agency is acting illegally or if a state agency officer refuses to do a purely ministerial action required by statute, an action against the agency or officer is not prohibited. Travelers Cas. & Surety Co. v. Ark. State Highway Comm'n, 353 Ark. 721, 120 S.W.3d 50 (2003); Commission on Judicial Discipline & Disability v. Digby, 303 Ark. 24, 792 S.W.2d 594 (1990); Federal Compress & Warehouse v. Call, 221 Ark. 537, 254 S.W.2d 319 (1953). In the present case, LandsnPulaski's complaint to quiet title did not plead facts or assert that the ADC acted illegally or refused to perform a purely ministerial action required by statute. Rather, the complaint asked that the circuit court foreclose any and all claims, interests, rights, or ownership in and to the property by The State of Arkansas Department of Correction; as well as all other persons, entities, or organizations claiming any right, title or interest in and to said real property; and that [LandsnPulaski] be granted all such other proper, just and equitable relief to which it might be entitled. Further, LandsnPulaski provides no authority or convincing argument that this case involves a purely ministerial act required by statute. Therefore, we hold that this exception to sovereign immunity does not apply in this case.