(a) In the case of a person who is employed by the state as a psychiatric technician, no state funds shall be expended in releasing the person from duty to attend continuing education courses, other than funds for in-service training and related state-provided programs.
(b) If the provisions of this section are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5 of the Government Code, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that, if the provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.