If sufficient funds for court costs have not been appropriated to a state department, or if sufficient funds are not otherwise available for such purposes within the budget of a state department, upon authorization by the executive council there is appropriated from moneys in the general fund of the state not otherwise appropriated, an amount sufficient to pay expenses incurred, or costs taxed to the state, in any proceeding brought by or against any of the state departments or in which the state is a party or is interested. This section shall not be construed to authorize the payment of travel or other personal expenses of state officers or employees.