Section 17. If an official having custody of property of the commonwealth, or charged with the duty of receiving or disbursing money, is required to give bond to the commonwealth for the faithful discharge of his duty, the commonwealth shall reimburse him for the amount paid by him to a surety company for becoming surety on his official bond. Premiums on all surety bonds paid by the commonwealth shall be paid out of the appropriations for expenses of the several officers and departments.