(a) A county shall pay a peace officer employed by the county for an appearance as a witness in a criminal suit, a civil suit, or an administrative proceeding in which the county or other political subdivision or government agency is a party in interest if the appearance:
(1) is required;
(2) is made on time off; and
(3) is made by the peace officer in the capacity of a peace officer.
(b) Payment under this section is at the peace officer's regular rate of pay.
(c) Payment under this section may be taxed as court costs in civil suits.
(d) This section does not reduce or prohibit compensation paid in excess of the regular rate of pay.