(1)    Purchase. Each state agency, upon written approval of the governor, may purchase necessary aircraft, trucks and automobiles for its general use. All aircraft, trucks and automobiles shall be purchased through the department of administration under ss. 16.70 to 16.82. The department of administration shall ensure that each general fleet passenger automobile at the time of procurement has a fuel economy rating of no less miles per gallon than the fleet average miles per gallon required of automobile manufacturers by the federal government at that time. Law enforcement vehicles and work vehicles for heavy passenger or equipment loads are exempt from the mileage requirement.

   (2)   Insurance. Every state agency may secure public liability, property damage and fire, theft and windstorm insurance for the protection of state automobiles, trucks and aircraft. Such insurance may provide public liability and property damage coverage for state traffic patrol officers and conservation division employees when, in the performance of their official duties, it is necessary to move other vehicles. The cost of such insurance by such state agencies shall be audited and paid in the same manner as other expenses.

   (5)   Definition. In this section, “automobile” has the meaning given under s. 340.01 (4).