(a) It is the policy of the state that when an employee is to be separated from state service because the tasks he or she was assigned are to be eliminated or substantially changed due to management-initiated changes, including but not limited to automation or other technological changes, steps should be taken on an interdepartmental basis to assist such employee in locating, preparing to qualify for, and being placed in other positions in the state civil service. This provision shall not be construed to restrict the authority of the executive branch or the Legislature to effect economies or make organizational or other changes to increase efficiency in state government.

(b) If the provisions of this section are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if such provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.

(Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 230, Sec. 55.)