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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 6Ch. 1.5§ 5055 Public Obligation Signature Validity

§ 5055 Public Obligation Signature Validity

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5055 Public Obligation Signature Validity

Key Takeaways

  • •If a government official signs an important paper (like a bond or loan) and then leaves their job, the paper is still valid.
  • •A new official can use the old official’s signature if it’s already on the paper, and they won’t get in trouble for it.
  • •The new official isn’t responsible for anything bad just because they used the old signature.

Example

The mayor signs a loan for a new school, but then quits before the loan is finalized.

The loan is still good even though the mayor is gone. The new mayor can use the old mayor’s signature on the loan papers, and they won’t be blamed for anything wrong with it.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5055 Public Obligation Signature Validity

(a) Any certificated registered public obligation signed by the authorized officers at the time of the signing thereof shall remain valid and binding, notwithstanding that before the issuance thereof any or all of such officers shall have ceased to fill their respective offices. (b) Any authorized officer empowered to sign any certificated registered public obligation may adopt, as and for the signature of such officer, the signature of a predecessor in office in the event that such predecessor’s signature appears on such certificated registered public obligation. An authorized officer incurs no liability by adoption of a predecessor’s signature that would not be incurred by such authorized officer, if the signature were that of such authorized officer. (Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 59, Sec. 1. Effective June 2, 1983.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

obligationadoptionliabilitydocumenteffective juneissuance

Related Statutes

  • § 5052 Registered Public Obligations
  • § 5056 Facsimile Seal Authorization
  • § 5061 Public Obligation Registration Rules
  • § 5050 Public Obligations Registration
  • § 5053 Public Obligation Registration Systems

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 5055.
View Official Source