Section 955.1 Of Chapter 4. Special Provisions Relating To Actions Against The State From California Government Code >> Division 3.6. >> Title 1. >> Part 4. >> Chapter 4.
955.1
. (a) The science of earthquake prediction is developing
rapidly and, although still largely in a research stage, these
predictions are now being initiated and are certain to continue into
the future. Administrative procedures exist within the Office of
Emergency Services to advise the Governor on the validity of
earthquake predictions. Numerous important actions can be taken by
state and local governments and special districts to protect life and
property in response to earthquake predictions and associated
warnings. It is the intent of this legislation to ensure that those
actions are taken in the public interest by government agencies
acting in a responsible manner without fear of consequent financial
liabilities.
(b) The Governor may, at his or her discretion, issue a warning as
to the existence of an earthquake or volcanic prediction determined
to have scientific validity. The state and its agencies and employees
shall not be liable for any injury resulting from the issuance or
nonissuance of a warning pursuant to this subdivision or for any acts
or omissions in fact gathering, evaluation, or other activities
leading up to the issuance or nonissuance of a warning.
(c) Public entities and public employees may, on the basis of a
warning issued pursuant to subdivision (b), take, or fail or refuse
to take, any action or execute or fail or refuse to execute any
earthquake or volcanic prediction response plan with relation to the
warning which is otherwise authorized by law. In taking, or failing
or refusing to take, such action, neither public entities nor public
employees shall be liable for any injuries caused thereby or for any
injuries resulting from the preparation of, or failure or refusal to
prepare, any earthquake hazard or damage prediction maps, plans for
evacuation of endangered areas, and other plan elements.
(d) An earthquake or volcanic warning issued by the Governor
pursuant to subdivision (b) is a sufficient basis for a declaration
of a state of emergency or local emergency as defined by Section
8558. Public entities and public employees shall be immune from
liability in accordance with all immunity provisions applicable
during such state of emergency or local emergency.