Section 3601 - Discharge and effect of discharge(a) The obligation of a party to pay the instrument is discharged as stated in this division or by an act or agreement with the party which would discharge an obligation to pay money under a simple contract.(b) Discharge of the obligation of a party is not effective against a person acquiring rights of a holder in due course of the instrument without notice of the discharge.Chapter heading amended by Stats 2015 ch 303 (AB 731),s 44, eff. 1/1/2016.Repealed and added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 914, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1993.