SPECIAL SALE FEE

(a) On land sales and mineral leases made by the board, the purchaser or bidder is required to pay by separate check an amount equal to one and one-half percent of the bid or sale amount payable to the commissioner as a special fee. The board may waive the special fee on land sales to any state agency, board, commission, political subdivision, or other governmental entity. (b) If the sale is by bid, only the special fees paid on the bids accepted by the board shall be deposited by the commissioner in the State Treasury as a special fund. (c) Failure to pay the special fee shall not void a bid, but the commissioner shall demand payment of the fee before accepting the bid and completing the transaction. (d) Checks submitted by unsuccessful bidders shall be returned to the bidders.