(a) There is hereby established the Alabama Children's Policy Council Fund into which there is automatically appropriated twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) annually at the beginning of each fiscal year. Any funds remaining in the Alabama Children's Policy Council Fund at the end of any fiscal year shall not revert to the State General Fund. The Comptroller shall transfer the moneys from the State General Fund to the Alabama Children's Policy Council Fund annually at the beginning of each fiscal year and the moneys in the fund shall be expended for the travel expenses of members of the Alabama Children's Policy Council who are not otherwise reimbursed by the state and such other necessary operating costs and expenses as approved by the Chair of the Alabama Children's Policy Council. Travel and per diem for all members of the Alabama Children's Policy Council shall be calculated and paid at the same rate applicable to state employees. Any expenses of the Alabama Children's Policy Council, including printing, postage, and mailing costs, which cannot be paid because of insufficient funds, shall be charged to the departments and agencies represented by membership on the Alabama Children's Policy Council on a pro rata basis, as calculated by the chair.

(b) The Alabama Children's Policy Council may accept and use funds available to it from all sources, including, but not limited to, grants, appropriations, gifts, and donations for the purpose of implementing this chapter. All funds shall be deposited into the Alabama Children's Policy Council Fund, which shall be under the management of the Alabama Children's Policy Council. Moneys of the fund may be withdrawn by vouchers or checks signed by the chair of the Alabama Children's Policy Council.