(a) In exercising the powers and duties granted to and imposed upon it, any state agency may construct and maintain communication lines as may be necessary.
(b) In providing communications and necessary powerlines in connection with activities under subdivision (a), the agency, with the approval of the Department of General Services, may enter into contracts with owners of similar facilities for use of their facilities, such as pole lines, and provisions may be made for indemnification and holding harmless of the owners of those facilities by reason of this use. Insurance may be purchased by the Department of General Services, upon request of the agency, to protect the state against loss or expense arising out of the contract.
(c) Any claim for damages arising against the state under this section shall be presented to the Department of General Services in accordance with Sections 905.2 and 945.4, and if not covered by insurance as provided under subdivision (b), the claim shall be payable only out of funds appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose. If the state elects to insure its liability under this section, the Department of General Services may automatically deny that claim.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 31, Sec. 67. (SB 836) Effective June 27, 2016.)