(a) Notwithstanding Section 935.6, the Department of Transportation may deny or adjust and pay any claim arising out of the activities of the department without the prior approval of the Department of General Services if both of the following conditions exist:
(1) The amount claimed is equal to or less than the amount specified as the small claims court jurisdictional amount in Section 116.221 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
(2) The Director of Finance or the Director of Transportation certifies that a sufficient appropriation for the payment of the claim exists.
(b) If the department elects not to pay any claim, the department shall provide the notice required by Section 913.
(c) Any person who submits any claim arising out of any activity of the Department of Transportation shall comply with every other applicable provision of this part relating to claims against state agencies.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 31, Sec. 51. (SB 836) Effective June 27, 2016.)