(a)    While the General Assembly is in session the General Assembly may amend the appropriation for a program of the Legislative Branch of the State government by amendment to the budget bill.

(b)    While the General Assembly is not in session, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates jointly may authorize an amendment of an appropriation for a program of the Legislative Branch of the State government.

(c)    An amendment of an appropriation for a program of the Legislative Branch of the State government:

(1)    may not increase the sum of the appropriations from the General Fund of the State for all the programs of the Legislative Branch; and

(2)    may authorize the expenditure of money from a special fund or the federal government as provided in § 2-201 of this article or § 7-217(a) of this subtitle.

(d)    (1)    (i)    Except as provided in this subsection, an amendment under this section may not increase a salary for a nonclassified position so that the salary exceeds the amount set by the most recently enacted State budget.

(ii)    The limitation applies whether or not the most recently enacted budget is in effect.

(iii)    This subsection does not apply to salaries of positions that are included in an executive pay plan for the Legislative Branch.

(2)    While the General Assembly is not in session, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates jointly may approve an amendment that increases a salary so that it exceeds the limitation in this subsection if:

(i)    the President and the Speaker find that the salary increase is needed because an inability to obtain or to keep an essential career employee who is performing an administrative function or an essential professional or technical employee has created an acute emergency; and

(ii)    their findings are documented.

(e)    A copy of each amended appropriation for a program shall be provided promptly to:

(1)    the Comptroller; and

(2)    the Secretary of Budget and Management.