Any computer software program or component of a computer software program contracted, developed, or acquired by a public entity or state agency, institution, department, or board and for which the public entity or state agency, institution, department, or board acquires a license, copyright, or patent is exempt from section 44-04-18 and section 6 of article XI of the Constitution of North Dakota. After receiving written approval from the governor, a state agency, institution, department, or board may enter into agreements for the sale, licensing, and distribution of its contracted, licensed, patented, or copyrighted computer software programs. A state agency, institution, department, or board may take any needed action, including legal action, to protect the state’s interest in the computer software against improper or unlawful use or infringement and may collect and enforce the collection of any sums due for the licensing or sale of the computer software. A public entity may enter into agreements for the sale, licensing, and distribution of its licensed, patented, or copyrighted computer software programs.