Any suit or other proceeding arising out of the administration of the laws pertaining to the support of persons eligible for county general assistance or general assistance must be brought by or against the county in its corporate name, human service zone, or department. The state‘s attorney shall institute and conduct or defend any and all actions or proceedings that may be instituted under chapter 50-01. The department may institute and conduct or defend any and all actions or proceedings that may be instituted under section 50-01-21.