All lands located within the boundaries of and susceptible of irrigation from irrigation works of an irrigation district, the legal titles to which are vested in the state, are subject to the laws of the state relating to the organization, government and regulation of irrigation districts for the reclamation and irrigation of arid lands for agricultural purposes to the same extent and in the same manner in which lands of a like character held under private ownership are subject to such laws. All such lands shall be accorded all the rights, privileges, benefits and exemptions given by the laws of the state to persons holding lands of like character under private ownership, except as otherwise provided in this article.