The State shall pay for the use of privately owned automobiles for travel by employees of the State in the business of the State such reimbursement as agreed to between the State and their certified or recognized bargaining agent. For employees and state officers and officials not subject to any such agreement, the State shall pay 36¢ per mile effective January 1, 2006, 38¢ per mile effective January 1, 2007, 40¢ per mile effective July 1, 2007, 42¢ per mile effective July 1, 2008, 44¢ per mile effective January 1, 2009 and effective July 1, 2021 the lower of the rate included in the bargaining agreement representing the most employees or the federal rate of reimbursement, for miles actually traveled on state business. The Governor may suspend the operation of this section and require state officials and employees to travel in automobiles owned or controlled by the State, if such automobiles are available. [PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. E, §1 (AMD).]