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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 3Pt. 2Ch. 7§ 12702 Disaster Succession For Officers

§ 12702 Disaster Succession For Officers

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12702 Disaster Succession For Officers

Key Takeaways

  • •If a big boss (like a governor or mayor) can't do their job because of a disaster, their backup person takes over.
  • •The backup person must say they're taking the job and promise to do it right (like swearing an oath).
  • •If the first backup doesn't step up in 7 days, the next backup in line can take over.

Example

A big earthquake happens, and the mayor gets hurt and can't work.

The first backup the mayor picked takes over as mayor. If that person doesn't show up in 7 days, the next backup gets the job.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12702 Disaster Succession For Officers

If a constitutional officer who has appointed successors as provided in this chapter becomes unavailable because of a disaster, the powers and duties of the officer’s office shall devolve upon one of the officer’s appointees in the order specified in making the appointments and that person shall declare that that person is undertaking the duties of the office and take and subscribe the oath therefor; provided, however, that an appointee so designated may declare that the appointee is undertaking the office and take the prescribed oath if no person prior in such order of succession enters upon the office within seven days after the incumbent thereof becomes unavailable. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 117. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

constitutional officerdisasterpowers and dutiesorder of successionprescribed oath

Related Statutes

  • § 12700 Disaster Officer Unavailability Definition
  • § 12701 Disaster Succession Appointments
  • § 12703 Disaster Succession For State Officers
  • § 12704 Acting Constitutional Officer Duties
  • § 8550 Emergency Powers And Preparedness

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 12702.
View Official Source