(a) It is the policy of the state, except during the operation of subdivision (c), that the workweek of the state employee shall be 40 hours, and the workday of state employees eight hours, except that workweeks and workdays of a different number of hours may be established in order to meet the varying needs of the different state agencies. It is the policy of the state to avoid the necessity for overtime work whenever possible. This policy does not restrict the extension of regular working-hour schedules on an overtime basis in those activities and agencies where it is necessary to carry on the state business properly during a manpower shortage.

(b) If the provisions of this section are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if the provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.

(c) Notwithstanding any other law, for the period from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013, inclusive, a state employee shall participate in the Personal Leave Program 2012 (PLP 2012 Program), either as required by an applicable memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5 or by the direction of the department for excluded employees. Under the PLP 2012 Program, each employee shall receive a reduction in pay not greater than 5 percent. In exchange for this reduction in pay, each employee shall receive eight hours of PLP 2012 Program leave credits on the first day of each monthly pay period. This subdivision shall not apply to retired annuitants or to employees of entities listed in Section 3.90 of the Budget Act of 2012.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 32, Sec. 21. (SB 1006) Effective June 27, 2012.)