1.__New or expanded programs.__A state department may not establish a new program or expand an existing program beyond the scope of the program already established, recognized and approved by the Legislature until the program and the method of financing are submitted to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget for evaluation and recommendation to the Legislature and until the funds are made available for the program by the Legislature.

2.__Significant action recommended by State Budget Officer.__ The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget shall inform the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs, through the Office of Fiscal and Program Review, of significant action recommended by the bureau in the performance of assigned budget responsibilities.

Sec. T-2. 5 MRSA §1583-A, as amended by PL 1999, c. 401, Pt. J, §1, is further amended to read:

§1583-A. Creation of positions

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, limited period, project or any other temporary positions may be established by financial order so long as the end date for such those positions does not exceed the statutory adjournment date for the next regular session of the Legislature. Temporary positions established by financial order may not be continued past the statutory adjournment date unless the Legislature specifically appropriates or allocates funds to continue those positions.

2.__Workers' compensation positions.__Limited-period positions may be established for former regular employees of the State who are presently receiving workers' compensation payments from the State when that action enables those employees to return to productive employment with the State.__These positions may be established, if funds are available, only until those employees can be returned to regular positions.__Notwithstanding any other restrictions on funds appropriated or allocated, the State Budget Officer may, after determining that funds are available, either approve the use of these funds or recommend appropriate action to the Governor when the Governor's approval is required.__Available funds may include amounts appropriated or allocated for Personal Services, including funds in any salary account or special account for state employee salary increases, All Other, Capital Expenditures and unallocated.