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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 1Ch. 7Art. 3§ 8572 Governor Emergency Property Powers

§ 8572 Governor Emergency Property Powers

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

§ 8572 Governor Emergency Property Powers

Key Takeaways

  • •During big emergencies, the Governor can take private stuff (like cars or buildings) to help people, but they have to pay the owner fairly for it.
  • •The Governor can't take over newspapers, TV stations, or radio stations, even in emergencies.
  • •If there's no other way to talk to people during an emergency, the Governor can use news wires but must pay for it and not block regular news too much.

Example

A huge earthquake hits, and the Governor needs trucks to bring food and medicine to people.

The Governor can take trucks from a company to help, but the state has to pay the company what the trucks are worth. They can't take over a TV station to tell people what's happening, though.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8572 Governor Emergency Property Powers

In the exercise of the emergency powers hereby vested in him during a state of war emergency or state of emergency, the Governor is authorized to commandeer or utilize any private property or personnel deemed by him necessary in carrying out the responsibilities hereby vested in him as Chief Executive of the state and the state shall pay the reasonable value thereof. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Governor is not authorized to commandeer any newspaper, newspaper wire service, or radio or television station, but may, during a state of war emergency or state of emergency, and if no other means of communication are available, utilize any news wire services, and the state shall pay the reasonable value of such use. In so utilizing any such facilities, the Governor shall interfere as little as possible with their use for the transmission of news. (Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 1454.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

governorpropertyemergencyportcommunicationchief executive

Related Statutes

  • § 8570 Emergency Preparedness Authority
  • § 8550 Emergency Powers And Preparedness
  • § 8566 Governor'S Emergency Funds Authority
  • § 8567 Governor'S Emergency Orders
  • § 8570.6 Electromagnetic Pulse Risk Planning

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 8572.
View Official Source