(a) The Speaker of the House of Representatives is authorized to designate up to ten (10) members of the House of Representatives at any one (1) time and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate is authorized to designate up to five (5) senators at any one (1) time to assist in the annual Boys State and Girls State sponsored by the American Legion and other student government organizations.
(b) Monetary allowances for per diem and reimbursements for mileage as authorized by § 10-2-217 for members assisting such organizations shall be paid to members of the House from any unexpended balance of House funds and to members of the Senate from any unexpended balance of Senate funds appropriated to support the respective houses of the General Assembly.