Gov. Code, § 13332.05

No funds may be encumbered for paying a civil service employee a salary which is above the maximum of the salary range of the employee’s present classification for a period of more than 90 calendar days following termination of a career executive assignment appointment. The intent of the Legislature in permitting payment above the maximum of the salary range for the 90-day period is to facilitate the employee’s adjustment to a lower salary level. The provisions of this section shall not apply with respect to an employee who accepted any career executive assignment appointment on or after June 20, 1976, and before July 1, 1977, and any employee meeting that requirement, who is otherwise eligible, shall receive a salary rate pursuant to the provisions of Rule 548.25, adopted by the State Personnel Board on May 18, 1976, based upon the highest career executive assignment level held by the employee during that period.