§ 36-a. Department research and demonstration projects. 1. The department is authorized to sponsor, conduct and participate in research and demonstration projects designed to ascertain and eliminate the causes of dependency and to rehabilitate recipients of public assistance and care or to demonstrate the utilization of research in the administration of public assistance and care.

2. Except where a specific appropriation has been made therefor, no such research or demonstration project requiring the expenditure of state funds shall be instituted without prior approval of the director of the budget.

3. The department may request the cooperation of any county or city social services district in connection with any such research or demonstration project sponsored or conducted by the department.