California Code, Government Code - GOV § 17403

In any case in which the Treasurer redeems or gives credit for a warrant or check, he or she may revoke the payment or credit given by returning the warrant or check to the presenting financial institution if, upon further examination, the item is found to bear a forged, erroneous, or unauthorized endorsement or to contain any material defect or alteration.  Upon this revocation, the Treasurer may deduct the amount of the item from any amount that is due or may become due to the presenting financial institution or to obtain a refund from the financial institution.  This right is subject only to the requirements that the item in question be returned at the time of offset or collection and that no more than three years has elapsed since the time that the instrument was presented to the financial institution.