California CodesBusiness and Professions Code - BPCGeneral ProvisionsSection 19
“Shall” is mandatory and “may” is permissive.
Notes
Defines “shall” as mandatory and “may” as permissive for interpreting the code. The provision establishes the default legal effect of those two terms, distinguishing required actions from discretionary authority, but does not itself impose a licensing duty, deadline, fee, penalty, or substantive exception.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 19 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/business-and-professions-code/general-provisions/section-19