(a) The committees are authorized to expend state funds available to the committees for the discharge of their duties. Said funds may be used for the purposes of paying for services of independent accountants, engineers, and consultants, and paying all other necessary expenses incurred by the committees in performing their duties.

(b) The members of the committees shall receive the allowances authorized for legislative members of interim legislative committees.

(c) The funds necessary for the purposes of the committees shall come from the funds appropriated to and available to the legislative branch of government.