It is the policy of the State of North Carolina that all agencies, institutions, departments, bureaus, boards, commissions, and officers of the State, whether or not subject to the State Budget Act, Chapter 143C of the N.C. Gen. Stat., shall devise techniques and procedures for the receipt, deposit, and disbursement of moneys coming into their control and custody which are designed to maximize interest-bearing investment of cash, and to minimize idle and nonproductive cash balances. This policy shall apply to the General Court of Justice as defined in Article IV of the North Carolina Constitution, the public school units as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 147-86.12, and the community colleges with respect to the receipt, deposit, and disbursement of moneys required by law to be deposited with the State Treasurer and with respect to moneys made available to them for expenditure by warrants drawn on the State Treasurer. This policy shall include the acceptance of electronic payments in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 147-86.22 to the maximum extent possible consistent with sound business practices. (1985, c. 709, s. 1; 1999-434, s. 2; 2006-203, s. 120; 2021-170, s. 4(f).)