EXCEPTION--STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

(a) This chapter does not impose a tax on: (1) the United States; (2) a governmental entity of the United States; or (3) an officer or employee of a governmental entity of the United States when traveling on or otherwise engaged in the course of official duties for the governmental entity. (b) This state, or an agency, institution, board, or commission of this state other than an institution of higher education shall pay the tax imposed by this chapter and is entitled to a refund of the amount of tax paid in accordance with Section 156.154. (c) A state officer or employee of a state governmental entity described by Subsection (b) who is entitled to reimbursement for the cost of lodging and for whom a special provision or exception to the general rate of reimbursement under the General Appropriations Act is not applicable shall pay the tax imposed by this chapter. The state governmental entity with whom the person is associated is entitled under Section 156.154 to a refund of the tax paid. (d) A state officer or employee of a state governmental entity described by Subsection (b) for whom a special provision or exception to the general rate of reimbursement under the General Appropriations Act applies and who is provided with photo identification verifying the identity and exempt status of the person is not required to pay the tax and is not entitled to a refund. The photo identification of a state officer or employee described by this section may be modified for the purposes of this section. (e) In this section, "institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.