(a)      Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and notwithstanding any other law, the Central Payroll Bureau of the Office of the State Comptroller shall provide for the payment of all wages to:

            (1)      each officer and employee of the State who is paid from funds appropriated by the General Assembly; and

            (2)      whether or not paid from funds appropriated by the General Assembly, each officer and employee of:

                  (i)      the University System of Maryland;

                  (ii)      Morgan State University;

                  (iii)      St. Mary's College of Maryland; and

                  (iv)      Baltimore City Community College.

      (b)      The Central Payroll Bureau shall maintain all supporting payroll records for the payment of wages under this section.