As used in this chapter:

“Departments, offices, and agencies” means and includes all executive departments, boards, commissions, bureaus, offices, agencies, and all independent commissions and other establishments of the state government (excepting the legislature) and all quasi-public institutions and all courts which are supported in whole or in part by, or which handle state or public funds; and

“Political subdivision” means and includes all counties and municipalities of the State insofar as they are supported by or handle state or public funds.