California · Government Code

GOV §8621: During a state of war emergency every department, commission, agency, board, officer, and employee of the state government and of every political subdivision, county, city and county, or city, public

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

During a state of war emergency, government officers and employees must obey the Governor's lawful orders. Refusing, neglecting, resisting, delaying, or obstructing such orders is a misdemeanor; violators may be temporarily suspended.

Read the full statutory text
During a state of war emergency every department, commission, agency, board, officer, and employee of the state government and of every political subdivision, county, city and county, or city, public district, and public corporation of or in the state is required to comply with the lawful orders and regulations of the Governor made or given within the limits of his authority as provided for herein. Every such officer or employee who refuses or willfully neglects to obey any such order or regulation of the Governor, or who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs the Governor in the discharge of any of his functions hereunder, is guilty of a misdemeanor. In the event that any such officer or employee shall refuse or willfully neglect to obey any such order or regulation, the Governor may by his order temporarily suspend him from the performance of any and all the rights, obligations, and duties of his office or position for the remainder of the period of the state of war emergency, and the Governor may thereupon designate the person who shall carry on the rights, obligations, and duties of the office or position for the duration of such suspension.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.