1.  Award to prevailing party; exception.  The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney's fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the court finds that special circumstances make the award of these expenses unjust.  

2.  Award against a state.  The court may not assess fees, costs or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.