California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 14477

(a) For purposes of this article, “state officer” means a United States Senator or Member of Congress representing California, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a Member of the Legislature, or a secretary of a state agency.

(b) For purposes of this article, “state employee” means any staff member of a state agency secretary who holds a policymaking position, any member of the Governor's staff who holds a policymaking position, or any administrative aide or committee consultant of the Legislature. “State employee” includes the appointive or civil service employee of the highest class or grade in each department, system, program, section, or other administrative subdivision of the State Department of Health Services as defined in regulations adopted by the department.