[Preferences in leasing; occupants of land acquired by

state; persons or firms domiciled or paying taxes in state.] Any person, association of persons or corporation authorized to transact business in the state, occupying any lands the title to which is acquired by the state by operation of law, shall have a preference right to lease same in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; provided application so to do is made within thirty days from and after the acquisition of such title. Persons, associations of persons or corporations having domicile or paying taxes in the state, applying to lease state lands, shall in all cases be given preference provided the rental or royalty offered to be paid be at least equal to that otherwise obtainable.