A. Each state agency may develop a State Employee Suggestion Program. The purpose of the program shall be to promote efficiency and effectiveness of state governmental operations by providing economic incentives to employees who make suggestions which result in direct cost savings.

B. A state agency which implements a suggestion made by an employee which results in direct cost savings to the agency of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or more may financially reward the employee. The amount of any such award shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the cost savings to the agency. No state employee shall be eligible to receive more than one award payment in any single fiscal year. Each agency shall be responsible for implementing a State Employee Suggestion Program as it deems appropriate in accordance with the provisions of this section.

C. Suggestions pertaining to the following areas shall not be eligible for awards: grievances; classification and pay; matters already recommended for study, review or summary; matters which are the result of assigned or contracted audits, budget and fiscal preparations studies, surveys, reviews or research; and matters requiring the enactment of legislation. A suggester who applies for patent rights to his or her suggestion shall not be eligible for an award.

D. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services shall promulgate rules and establish policies as necessary to implement the State Employee Suggestion Program.