California Code, Government Code - GOV § 19997.14

(a) An employee may appeal to the department within 30 days after receiving notice of layoff on the ground that the required procedure has not been complied with or that the layoff has not been made in good faith or was otherwise improper.  Within 30 days after such an appeal, the department shall hold such hearing or investigation as it deems necessary.

On its own motion the department may also conduct such a hearing or investigation within 30 days after receiving a notice of layoff.

In rendering a decision on a layoff, the department may order the reinstatement of the employee with or without pay if it appears that the required procedure was not followed or that the layoff was not made in good faith or was otherwise improper.

(b) If the provisions of this section are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if such provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.