Powers; contracts; meetings

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, including, without limitation, this chapter and chapter five-a of this code, the state employer and a public employer have the power necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions and objectives of this article and to operate the trust, including, without limitation, entering into contracts and executing and delivering instruments; engaging consultants, Auditors, counsel, managers, advisors, trustees or any other contractors or professionals; and charging and collecting administrative fees. (b) The state employer or any public employer may, by contract, agree with any of its employees to defer and hold in trust any portion of that employee's compensation and may subsequently purchase or acquire from vendors licensed to do business in the State of West Virginia investment products for the purpose of carrying out the objectives of the deferred compensation plan as described in this article. (c) Employees are authorized to attend meetings called by the state employer or public employer for the purpose of explaining a plan during regular working hours.