(a) The court may award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney's fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care expenses during the course of the proceedings.

(b) The court shall not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter. (Added 2011, No. 29, § 1.)