Whenever the property of a judgment debtor in any judgment in favor or for the use of the state has been sold under a prior judgment, or is subject to any prior judgment, lien, or encumbrance, the Attorney General shall, under the direction of the Department of General Services, redeem the property from the prior judgment, lien, or encumbrance. Upon order of the Department of General Services, the money necessary for redemption shall be paid out of any appropriation for that purpose.