"Public entity" includes the state, the Regents of the University of California, a county, a city, district, public authority, public agency, and any other political subdivision or public corporation in the state.
§ 481.200.Public Entity
Title 6.5. Attachment · Chapter 1. Words and Phrases Defined · Enacted 1974 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 481.200 defines "public entity" to include the state, the Regents of the University of California, a county, a city, a district, a public authority, a public agency, and any other political subdivision or public corporation in the state.
Full Text of § 481.200
Plain-English Summary
This definition establishes that governmental bodies fall within the broader definition of "person" in § 481.170, which matters both for who can bring an attachment action and, more often, for whether a particular government body is subject to one, since separate rules elsewhere in this title and the Government Claims Act govern claims against public entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "public entity" include cities and counties?
Yes. Section 481.200 lists counties, cities, districts, public authorities, and public agencies among the bodies covered by this definition, along with the state itself and the Regents of the University of California.
Is the Regents of the University of California treated as a public entity here?
Yes. Section 481.200 names the Regents of the University of California specifically as one of the bodies included within the definition of public entity.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 1516.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: public entity definition california attachment