(a) The position of executive assistant to the Attorney General of Alabama is created and established. The Attorney General may appoint up to five executive assistants. An executive assistant shall not be subject to the merit act, but shall serve at the pleasure of the Attorney General and shall perform the duties assigned to him or her by the Attorney General.
(b) An executive assistant shall receive an annual salary to be fixed by the Attorney General but not exceeding the maximum salary now or hereafter fixed for assistant attorneys general III. The salary and expenses of an executive assistant shall be paid from the State Treasury in the same manner that the salary and expenses of the Attorney General are paid.