(a) The department may set aside from its available appropriations, other than itemized appropriations, an amount not exceeding three and one-half percent of the department’s annual payroll for the payment of administrative expenses, charges, benefits, and awards under this chapter.
(b) The amount set aside under Subsection (a) shall be set up in a separate account in the department’s records. The balance of the account at any time may not exceed an amount equal to three and one-half percent of the department’s annual payroll.

(c) The account shall show the disbursements authorized by this chapter. A statement of the amount set aside for the account and the disbursements from the account shall be included in the reports made to the governor and the legislature as required by law.