(a) The Legislature finds and declares that ensuring that information available to make fiscally responsible decisions about the project is accurate, current, and impartial is critical to better ensuring the success of the project and to meet the expectations of the state’s taxpayers and the intent of the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century (Chapter 20 (commencing with Section 2704) of Division 3 of the Streets and Highways Code).
(b) In establishing this division, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide decisionmakers with impartial information about how to proceed with the project.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 71, Sec. 10. (SB 198) Effective June 30, 2022.)
Unless the context requires otherwise, for purposes of this division, the following definitions apply:
(a) “Inspector General” means the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General appointed pursuant to Section 187020.
(b) “Merced to Bakersfield segment” means a 171-mile electrified dual-track segment that is usable for high-speed rail service in the central valley from Merced to Bakersfield, with a new combined station in downtown Merced, and connections to the Amtrak San Joaquins and the Altamont Corridor Express.
(c) “Office” means the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General established pursuant to Section 187020.
(d) “Personnel issues” means matters specific to the employment relationship between the High-Speed Rail Authority and its employees, including, but not limited to, hiring and promotional decisions, performance reviews, progressive discipline, adverse actions, grievances, merit issue complaints, workplace harassment, discrimination, or possible wage or supply theft having an immaterial effect, as determined by the Inspector General, on the planning, delivery, and operation of the project. For purposes of this division, “personnel issues” does not mean fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement by the High-Speed Rail Authority or its employees having a material effect, as determined by the Inspector General, on the planning, delivery, and operation of the project.
(e) “Project” means the high-speed rail project undertaken by the High-Speed Rail Authority pursuant to Division 19 (commencing with Section 185000) of this code and Chapter 20 (commencing with Section 2704) and Chapter 20.5 (commencing with Section 2704.75) of Division 3 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 53, Sec. 7. (AB 173) Effective July 2, 2024.)