(a)
The department may sue and be sued in any of the courts of this state. All property held by the department for the home shall be held in trust for the state and for the use and benefit of the home. The administrator shall manage the home and administer its affairs, and, subject to the direction of the director, adopt rules and regulations for the government of the home in conformity, as nearly as
possible, to the rules and regulations of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for their facilities.
(b)
The Director of General Services may lease or let any real property held by the department for the home, and not needed for any direct or immediate purpose of the home, to any entity or person upon terms and conditions determined to be in the best interests of the home. In any leasing or letting, primary consideration shall be given to the use of real property for agricultural purposes, and except as provided in Section 1048, all moneys received in connection therewith shall be deposited in the General Fund to the credit of, and shall augment the current appropriation for the support of, the home.