When the State Board of Examiners finds, after diligent inquiry and examination, that:

1. 1. As a result of payment for terminal leave, sick leave or unused sick leave to any state officer or employee or his or her beneficiary, sufficient appropriated money does not remain available to permit the payment of a salary when due to a person to be appointed or employed to replace the officer or employee; and

2. 2. The appointment or employment of the replacement is necessary in the best interests of the State,

   the State Board of Examiners may authorize the expenditure of sums not exceeding $12,000 from the Reserve for Statutory Contingency Account for payment of a salary when due to each person so appointed or employed as a replacement for the person to whom the terminal leave pay or sick leave pay was paid or is payable.

(Added to NRS by 1969, 1015; A 1973, 1667; 1975, 282; 1977, 1094; 1983, 181; 1991, 1749; 1999, 166; 2001 Special Session, 65)