It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of the State of Mississippi or any department, institution, or agency thereof to pay or authorize the payment of any fee, commission, or compensation whatsoever to any person for the collection of rents arising from any property owned by the State of Mississippi or any department, institution, or agency thereof. Any person who shall pay or authorize the payment of any such fees, commissions, or compensation shall be civilly liable to the State of Mississippi in double the amount of the fees, commissions, or other compensation so paid.
Miss. Code § 29-1-109