§ 12540 State Property Escheat Investigations

Government Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•The state can look for money or stuff that belongs to them but is being held by someone else.
•The Attorney General can ask people or companies to explain where this money or stuff is.
•They can check books and papers of companies to find out the truth.

Example

If a bank is holding money that belongs to the state but hasn't given it back, the Attorney General can ask the bank to explain why.

The Attorney General can call the bank to court and make them show their records to prove they have the state's money.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 12540 State Property Escheat Investigations

The Attorney General shall institute investigations for the discovery of all real and personal property to which the state may be entitled by escheat. For that purpose the Attorney General may cite any person before any superior court of this state to answer investigations and render accounts concerning that property, and the Attorney General may examine all books and papers of any corporation. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 50, Sec. 101. (AB 378) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

escheat Attorney General real and personal property

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Government Code. Section 12540.

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Example

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References