Chapter 1General Provisions and Definitions

Section § 187000

Explanation

This section emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and unbiased information to those making financial decisions about a high-speed train project in California. The goal is to ensure the project's success and meet taxpayer expectations, aligning with the High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act's intent. The Legislature aims for impartial insights to guide project progress.

(a)CA Public Utilities Code § 187000(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)CA Public Utilities Code § 187000(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.
fiscally responsible decisions impartial information Safe Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act 21st Century project success taxpayer expectations decision makers high-speed train project Streets and Highways Code financial decisions Legislature intent project progress accurate information current information
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 71, Sec. 10. (SB 198) Effective June 30, 2022.)

Section § 187010

Explanation

This law section defines key terms related to California's high-speed rail project. The "Inspector General" is the official overseeing the High-Speed Rail Authority, appointed as per specific legal guidelines. The "Merced to Bakersfield segment" is a significant 171-mile section of track meant for the rail service in the Central Valley, with connections to other transit systems. The "Office" refers to the High-Speed Rail Authority's Office of the Inspector General. "Personnel issues" cover employment-related matters that don't significantly impact the project, unlike more serious issues like fraud, which have a material effect. Lastly, "Project" refers to the overall high-speed rail project authorized under California statutes.

Unless the context requires otherwise, for purposes of this division, the following definitions apply:
(a)CA Public Utilities Code § 187010(a) “Inspector General” means the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General appointed pursuant to Section 187020.
(b)CA Public Utilities Code § 187010(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)CA Public Utilities Code § 187010(c) “Office” means the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General established pursuant to Section 187020.
(d)CA Public Utilities Code § 187010(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)CA Public Utilities Code § 187010(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.
high-speed rail Inspector General Merced to Bakersfield segment Central Valley High-Speed Rail Authority dual-track segment Amtrak San Joaquins Altamont Corridor Express personnel issues workplace harassment grievances progressive discipline fraud prevention project delivery
(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 53, Sec. 7. (AB 173) Effective July 2, 2024.)