SECTION 20. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED. That whenever the Joint
Audit Committee, through its review and evaluation process of audit reports issued
by the Legislative Auditor, and after consultation with the Legislative Auditor,
determines, based upon exceptions contained in the audit reports, that a particular
agency (to include department, administration, division, bureau, board, or
commission) does not adequately comply with State laws, rules and regulations
regarding the agency's fiscal and accounting record and procedures and/or fiscal
administration activities, that the committee may recommend to, the Governor that
the Comptroller withhold up to 25% of the salary of the secretary of the department
and/or of the State official deemed responsible. The amount to be withheld, the
duration of such withholding, and the date of release of any amount withheld shall be
recommended by the committee after consultation with the Legislative Auditor,
including any recommendations that the Legislative Auditor deems appropriate. The
Governor shall advise the committee as to the decision regarding the committee's
recommendations. If the Governor directs that the salary of the head of the agency
and/or salary of the secretary of the department and/or salary of the State official
deemed responsible be withheld, the Governor may recommend the date on which the
salary shall be restored to the full amount as provided in the budget and the amount
to be withheld to be paid. The committee shall consider the recommendations of the
Governor and advise the Governor as to its decision whether or not to allow the salary
to be restored to the full amount as provided in the budget and the amount withheld
to be paid.

SECTION 21. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Board of Public
Works, in exercising its authority to create additional positions pursuant to Section
7-236 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, may authorize during the fiscal
year no more than 50 positions in excess of the total number of authorized State
positions on July 1. 1999, as determined by the Secretary of Budget and Management.
Provided, however, that if the imposition of this ceiling causes undue hardship in any
department, agency, board, or commission, additional positions may be created for
that affected unit to the extent that positions authorized by the General Assembly for