(a)      In addition to the payment of wages by cash or check, the State Treasurer, on warrant of the State Comptroller, may pay a wage by direct deposit.

      (b)      Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the payment of wages by direct deposit shall be made in accordance with regulations adopted by the State Treasurer, with the concurrence of the State Comptroller.

      (c)      The regulations adopted by the State Treasurer under subsection (b) of this section:

            (1)      may not require the payment of wages by direct deposit for any employee who:

                  (i)      is hired prior to the effective date of the regulations; or

                  (ii)      requests an exemption to the payment of wages by direct deposit; and

            (2)      shall require that, when an employee is hired, the employee be notified of the right to request an exemption.