(a) A special officer appointed under AS 18.65.010(a) is considered an employee under this chapter only when the person is actually traveling or working as a special officer. The weekly wage earned in the special officer's regular employment shall be used in computing the amount of compensation to be awarded. If a special officer has no regular employment, the minimum wage paid a full-time state trooper shall be used in computing the amount of compensation to be awarded.
(b) Annual appropriations to fund the coverage provided for in (a) of this section shall be provided for in the budget of the Department of Public Safety.