The Supreme Court is authorized and empowered in connection with any rule-making power or other function to appoint from time to time various advisory committees or standing committees composed of justices, judges, lawyers, law professors and other persons to serve on such committees, and the Chief Justice is authorized and empowered to direct that the expenses of such advisory committees or standing committees, including, but not limited to, the expenses, compensation and employment of consultants, reporters and travel expenses, including, but not limited to, transportation, meals, lodging, membership fees, registration fees, printing and postage, be paid from any funds appropriated to the Supreme Court, the Administrative Office of Courts, the Department of Court Management, the Permanent Study Commission on Alabama’s Judicial System or grant funds.