1. (a) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including:

   1. (1) costs;
   2. (2) communication expenses;
   3. (3) attorney's fees;
   4. (4) investigative fees;
   5. (5) expenses for witnesses;
   6. (6) travel expenses; and

   7. (7) child care during the course of the proceedings;

      unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.

2. (b) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this article.

As added by P.L.138-2007, SEC.45.