A member of the general assembly may purchase through the office of legislative administration computer equipment for legislative use which is the same as or compatible with the computer hardware or software installed or used by legislative information systems for the general assembly. The cost of any purchases made pursuant to this section shall be borne by the member of the general assembly requesting the purchase of such items. The office of legislative information systems is authorized to install and maintain, at its office in Nashville, such computer programs and equipment purchased by the member for legislative use. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the office of legislative information from providing information systems and technical support to the member by telephone, email or other type of electronic communication.