Gov. Code, § 19764

Every person who makes a payment of salary, compensation, or other emolument to any person holding a position in the state civil service in violation of this part or rule and any officer or employee who signs, countersigns, or authorizes the signing or countersigning of any warrant for such a payment and the sureties on their official bonds is liable to the State of California therefor. An action to recover such a payment may be maintained in any court of competent jurisdiction of this state, in the name of the people of the state by the Attorney General or by a resident citizen, who is assessed for and is liable to pay, or, within one year before the commencement of such action, has paid a tax in this state.