(a) The commissioner may bring an action to recover any sum paid contrary to any provision of this chapter or of any rule, regulation or order thereunder from:
(1) Any employee who made, approved or authorized such payment or who signed or countersigned a voucher, payroll, check or warrant for such payment;
(2) The sureties on the official bond of any such officer; or
(3) Any employee who incorrectly or improperly received any payment from the state.
(b) All moneys recovered in any such action shall be paid into the state treasury.