(a) The department shall have the authority to make awards to employees of the department on behalf of the department or the state in recognition of outstanding service, heroism, or other exemplary acts arising out of the performance of their duties. All expenditures incurred in making such awards shall be defrayed from the department's regular operating budget and shall not exceed $100.00 per award.

(b) The board shall promulgate rules and regulations in connection with the granting of the awards provided for in this Code section.