(a) It is the policy of the State of Arkansas that overtime pay for state employees is the least desirable method of compensation for overtime work.
(b)
(1) All state departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and institutions may pay overtime to their employees, under the rules and regulations set out by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
(2)
(A) The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services will specify those specific employees or groups of employees other than employees of the Arkansas Department of Transportation eligible to receive overtime compensation, the circumstances under which overtime pay is to be allowed, and other matters the secretary finds appropriate and necessary to comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 as regards the payment of overtime compensation.
(B) The Director of State Highways and Transportation shall make these determinations as to employees of the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
(c) The rules authorized by this section shall not go into effect until the secretary, or the Arkansas Department of Transportation as to its employees, has sought the advice of the Legislative Council.
(d) In the event that the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 is held, for whatever reason, to be nonapplicable to state employment, then any state department, agency, board, commission, or institution may pay overtime to its employees only if the General Assembly has given authorization by an appropriation.