Any travel expense, including airline tickets and registration fees, that must be incurred more than five weeks in advance of approved travel to meet necessary deadlines or to obtain low rates, may be purchased by the state or any elected or appointed officer, employee, representative, or agent of this state. No state entity may require an officer, employee, representative, or agent of the state to pay these expenses.
N.D.C.C. § 44-08-04.4