Section 965.6 - Payment or offset of tort liability claimNotwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the state nor a judicial branch entity, nor any officers or employees thereof, may be required by any court in any proceeding to pay or offset a tort liability claim, settlement, or judgment for which the state or judicial branch entity is liable, unless one of the following conditions exists:
(a) The Legislature has authorized the payment or offset of the specific tort liability claim, settlement, or judgment.(b) The Director of Finance, or the Director of Transportation for claims arising out of the activities of the Department of Transportation, has certified that a sufficient appropriation for the payment of the claim, settlement, or judgment or to provide for that offset exists. This subdivision does not apply to claims arising out of the activities of a judicial branch entity or a judge thereof.(c) In the case of claims arising out of the activities of a judicial branch entity, as defined in Sections 900.3 and 940.3, or a judge thereof, the Administrative Director of the Courts has certified that sufficient funds for payment of the claim, settlement, or judgment, or to provide for that offset, exist from funds allocated to settlement, adjustment, and compromise of pending actions and claims. The Administrative Director of the Courts may designate an executive staff member of the Administrative Office of the Courts to perform the certification of funds pursuant to this section.Amended by Stats 2002 ch 1007 (AB 2321),s 19, eff. 1/1/2003.