Chapter 6. Benefit Funds of California Government Code >> Division 7. >> Title 1. >> Chapter 6.

This chapter applies only to property and funds, and the disposition thereof, of inmates of any state home, reformatory, hospital, state prison, or other institution where the custody, management, and disposition of property and funds of inmates are not otherwise provided for by statute.

When any person confined in any state home, reformatory, hospital, state prison, or other institution dies, escapes, or is discharged or paroled from the home, reformatory, hospital, state prison, or other institution, and any of his personal funds or property remains in the hands of the superintendent of the home, reformatory, hospital, or other institution, or the warden of the prison, the superintendent or warden may make a monthly charge for the safekeeping of the funds or property.

If the charge is not paid, a lien to secure the payment of the charge accrues to the State. The lien may be foreclosed pursuant to this chapter.

If the charge is not paid within three years, the lien may be foreclosed, and the superintendent or warden may sell the property, or such part as is necessary, to satisfy the lien and costs of sale. The property may be sold at public or private sale.

At least 10 days before the sale notice of sale shall be posted in a public place at the state home, reformatory, hospital, institution, or state prison where it is to take place.

The proceeds of the sale shall be turned over immediately to the State Treasurer to be credited to the General Fund, except that the proceeds of the sale of property of a member of the Veterans' Home or the Woman's Relief Corps Home shall be deposited immediately in the post fund of the home at which the sale is had.

The superintendent or warden may deposit any funds of inmates in his possession in any bank in the state. With the consent of the owners of the funds or their guardians or conservators, he may deposit the interest accruing on the funds in a special fund designated the "benefit fund" or "post fund."

The superintendent or warden is the trustee of the benefit fund.

He may expend the money in the benefit fund or post fund for the education or entertainment of the inmates of the institution or prison under his supervision.