(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to reimbursement of traveling expenses of public officers and employees, the Chief Justice, officers, officials, personnel and employees of the Administrative Office of Courts and Department of Court Management are authorized to attend colleges, schools, conferences, seminars and other meetings pertaining to the administration of justice and courts, as well as performing the duties of their office, in or outside the State of Alabama, provided the chief justice requests them to do so, and are entitled to be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses, including, but not limited to, travel expenses, lodging, subsistence outside the County of Montgomery, tuition fees, registration fees and membership fees or dues.

(b) Members of the judiciary and court-supportive personnel are authorized to attend judicial colleges, institutes, seminars, conferences, court sessions or other meetings concerning the administration of justice, in or outside the State of Alabama; and, notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to reimbursement of traveling expenses of public officers and employees, such members of the judiciary and court-supportive personnel shall be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses, including, but not limited to, travel expenses, lodging, subsistence outside the circuit or district in which they are employed, registration fees and membership dues or fees; provided, that the Chief Justice orders such member of the judiciary or any court-supportive personnel to attend the same.