1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commissioner of administration shall, subject to appropriations, establish and maintain a flexible benefit plan for employees of the state of Missouri. Such a plan shall permit employees to select certain specified employee benefit options based on an amount appropriated for each employee and the cost of each benefit. The plan shall provide that employees shall maintain a minimum level of health care and retirement benefits. The plan may allow any employee to select a combination of benefit options with a cost greater than the amount appropriated for such employee; provided that, the employee pays the additional cost difference through payroll deduction or salary reduction. Benefit options offered through the flexible benefit plan may include, but are not limited to, medical coverage, life insurance, dental plans, vision plans and plans for retirement savings.

2. The plan established pursuant to subsection 1 of this section shall be submitted to the general assembly and shall take effect thirty days after submission, unless such plan is disapproved by a concurrent resolution adopted by a majority vote of the respective members of the house and senate.