(a) The Governor is hereby authorized to direct the inauguration of studies to determine which agencies of the State conduct operations which are so nearly related to the operations of one or more other agencies that a consolidation would produce the same or a more efficient operational result at a reduction in cost, and to prepare recommendations to be presented to the 1971 General Assembly to effect such consolidations.

(b) For purposes of conducting the study, the Governor is authorized to utilize funds available to him from private sources, or from federal or other governmental grants, to be matched, as may be required, by funds available within the existing Department of Administration budget.

(c) The Governor shall direct that agencies which should be consolidated with or absorbed into other agencies having similar responsibilities and duties, as determined by the outcome of the study, shall be so consolidated or absorbed when, in his opinion, efficiency in State governmental operations will be increased thereby, or when such consolidation will result in a reduction in the cost of administering State activities without a reduction in the effectiveness of such operations; provided, however, that the Governor shall not direct such consolidation or combination as would diminish the duty or authority of any State agency or institution created by act of the General Assembly. (1969, c. 1209, ss. 1-3.)