(a) (1) An institution of higher education may request that a salary administration grid be approved for specific classifications of positions assigned to the career service compensation plan if the:

(A) Institution has documented the need for a salary administration grid for specified positions or classifications;

(B) Terms and conditions of a grid proposed by the institution address the needs of the targeted positions;

(C) Cost of implementing and maintaining a salary administration grid is within the institution's existing appropriation and the implementation does not use funds specifically set aside for other programs within the institution; and

(D) Salary administration grid has been approved by the Director of the Department of Higher Education after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

(2)

(A) Special rates of pay may be authorized up to the highest pay level authorized for the grade assigned the classification of a career service position for specific classifications only.

(B) An approved salary administration grid shall be used for establishing the entry pay level for an employee in a position.

(C) A person hired above the entry pay level shall meet or exceed the minimum qualifications for the job classification.

(D) Subsequent salary determinations within a salary administration grid shall be based on the employee's qualifications, relevant competitive compensation rates, professional or educational achievements, and internal equity within the institution.

(E) A plan of implementation and salary progression shall be approved by the Department of Higher Education on a biennial basis.

(3) An approved salary administration grid may be amended only upon approval by the department after review by the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.

(4) Compensation differentials that are included in an institution's grid plan shall not exceed rates provided in § 21-5-1412.

(b)

(1) A monthly report shall be made to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, describing all personnel transactions involving applications of this section.

(2) The hiring of a new employee under this section shall not affect the salary, grade, or classification of any current employee within the institution.

(3) The department shall promulgate rules regarding the implementation and use of a salary administration grid with the review of the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee.