(1) The budget request submitted by a public body to the Legislature shall specifically disclose the amount of any interest paid by any public body pursuant to Sections 31-7-301 through 31-7-317. However, no provision of Sections 31-7-301 through 31-7-317 authorizes a new appropriation to cover such interest penalties, and public bodies shall not seek to increase appropriations for the purpose of obtaining funds to pay any interest penalties.
(2) All public bodies of the state, including those which issue checks and those which file requisitions for payment with the State Fiscal Management Board, shall monthly notify the State Fiscal Management Board of the number and dollar amount of late payments by the public body along with the amounts of interest paid and the specific steps being taken to reduce the incidence of late payments.
(3) If the terms of the invoice provide a discount for payment in less than forty-five (45) days, public bodies shall preferentially process it and use all diligence to obtain the savings by compliance with the invoice terms, if it would be cost effective.