text:
(a) The authority may provide for the issuance, sale, or exchange of refunding bonds to redeem or retire any bonds issued by the authority upon the terms, at the times and in the manner which it determines.

(b) Refunding bonds may be issued in a principal amount sufficient to pay all, or any part of, the principal of the outstanding bonds, the premiums, if any, due upon call and redemption thereof prior to maturity, all expenses of the refunding, and either of the following:

(1) The interest upon the refunding bonds from the date of sale thereof to the date of payment of the bonds to be refunded out of the proceeds of the sale of the refunding bonds or to the date upon which the bonds to be refunded will be paid pursuant to call or agreement with the holders of the bonds.

(2) The interest upon the bonds to be refunded from the date of sale of the refunding bonds to the date of payment of the bonds to be refunded or to the date upon which the bonds to be refunded will be paid pursuant to call or agreement with the holder of the bonds.

(c) The provisions of this chapter for the issuance and sale of bonds apply to the issuance and sale of refunding bonds.


kind: section

code: PUC

text:
(a) The authority may borrow money in anticipation of the sale of bonds which have been authorized pursuant to this chapter, but which have not been sold or delivered, and may issue negotiable bond anticipation notes therefor and may renew the bond anticipation notes from time to time. However, the maximum maturity of any bond anticipation notes, including the renewals thereof, shall not exceed five years from the date of delivery of the original bond anticipation notes.

(b) The bond anticipation notes, and the interest thereon, may be paid from any money of the authority available therefor, including the revenues from the tax. If not previously otherwise paid, the bond anticipation notes, or any portion thereof, or the interest thereon, shall be paid from the proceeds of the next sale of the bonds of the agency in anticipation of which the notes were issued.

(c) The bond anticipation notes shall not be issued in any amount in excess of the aggregate amount of the bonds which the authority has been authorized to issue, less the amount of any bonds of the authorized issue previously sold, and also less the amount of other bond anticipation notes therefor issued and then outstanding. The bond anticipation notes shall be issued and sold in the same manner as the bonds.

(d) The bond anticipation notes and the resolutions authorizing them may contain any provisions, conditions, or limitations which a resolution of the authority may contain.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 786, Sec. 1.)

division: 19. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES

chapter: 6. Bonds

path: 19. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES > 6. Bonds


text: Any bonds issued under this chapter are legal investment for all trust funds; for the funds of insurance companies, commercial and savings banks, and trust companies; and for state school funds; and whenever any money or funds may, by any law now or hereafter enacted, be invested in bonds of cities, counties, school districts, or other districts within the state, that money or funds may be invested in the bonds issued under this chapter, and whenever bonds of cities, counties, school districts, or other districts within the state may, by any law now or hereafter enacted, be used as security for the performance of any act or the deposit of any public money, the bonds issued under this chapter may be so used. The provisions of this chapter are in addition to all other laws relating to legal investments and shall be controlling as the latest expression of the Legislature with respect thereto.


text: Any action or proceedings wherein the validity of the adoption of the retail transactions and use tax ordinance provided for in this chapter or the issuance of any bonds thereunder or any of the proceedings in relation thereto is contested, questioned, or denied, shall be commenced within six months from the date of the election at which the ordinance is approved; otherwise, the bonds and all proceedings in relation thereto, including the adoption and approval of the ordinance, shall be held to be valid and in every respect legal and incontestable.


text:
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) In the County of Sacramento, the authority seeks to address local transportation needs by raising additional local revenue to fund transportation projects and programs.

(b) Constitutional voting thresholds applicable to local taxes have created challenges for the adoption of countywide sales tax measures. The adoption of this chapter is intended, in part, to allow the authority to seek voter approval of a transportation improvement sales tax in a portion of the county.

(c) The County of Sacramento is unique in having a large, developed unincorporated population and seven cities with older commercial corridors that have potential for infill but which regularly experience construction-related disruptions and pavement deterioration. To reduce these localized impacts and limit the need for future transportation system expansion, the authority must be able to fund coordinated infrastructure improvements that support infill development as part of a single project.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 724, Sec. 1. (AB 1223) Effective January 1, 2026.)

chapter: 7. Sacramento Transportation Authority

path: 19. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES > 7. Sacramento Transportation Authority


text: Unless expressly stated in this chapter, the provisions set forth in this division apply to the authority. This chapter is not intended to limit or otherwise conflict with the other provisions of this division.


text:
For purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:

(a) “Active transportation” means infrastructure facilities or services that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking, and includes projects consistent with subdivision (f) of Section 2382 of the Streets and Highways Code.

(b) “Authority” means the Sacramento Transportation Authority created in 1988 pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 180050).

(c) “CARTA” means the Capital Area Regional Tolling Authority.

(d) “Expenditure plan” means a county transportation expenditure plan adopted in connection with a transactions and use tax ordinance pursuant to Section 180206.

(e) “Governing board” means the governing board of the authority.

(f) “Member” or “member of the governing board” means an individual county supervisor or city council member who has been appointed to the governing board, or their alternate.

(g) “Ordinance” means a transactions and use tax ordinance authorized pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 180200).


text:
(a) The authority may issue bonds to finance costs of high-occupancy toll lanes or other toll facilities within the County of Sacramento approved by the California Transportation Commission pursuant to Section 149.7 of the Streets and Highways Code, including, without limitation, working capital costs, costs of issuance and credit enhancement, capitalized interest, and all reserves and other fees or costs related to the bonds. Those bonds may be payable from toll revenue or any other funds lawfully available to the authority for such purposes, including sales tax revenue, development impact fees, or state and federal grant funds.

(b) Before the authority issues bonds payable from toll revenue for a toll facility operated by CARTA, both of the following shall occur:

(1) The authority shall enter into an agreement with CARTA regarding the application of toll revenue to pay for bonds issued by the authority.

(2) The governing board of CARTA shall review and approve a toll facility expenditure plan.

(c) Bonds issued pursuant to this section may be sold pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in a resolution adopted by the governing board. Bonds shall be issued pursuant to a resolution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the governing board, which resolution shall state the maximum principal amount of the bonds, the maximum term of the bonds, and the maximum rate of interest to be paid on the bonds, not to exceed the maximum rate permitted by law. Any bond issued pursuant to this section shall not constitute a debt or liability of the state and shall contain on its face a statement to the following effect: “Neither the full faith and credit nor the taxing power of the State of California is pledged to the payment of principal or interest of this bond.” (d) The maximum rate of interest payable upon the bonds issued pursuant to this section shall not exceed the maximum rate specified in Section 53531 of the Government Code. The rate may be either fixed or variable and shall be payable at the times and in the manner specified in the resolution.


text:
(a) The allowable expenditure categories set forth in Section 180205 shall also include the construction, modernization, and improvement of infrastructure that supports infill or transit-oriented development, in areas nominated by local governments, and included in regionally adopted plans that advance state greenhouse gas emissions reduction objectives.

(b) (1) The authority may only allocate revenues for a facility described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) if that facility is combined with a project that includes a facility described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c).

(2) An expenditure plan shall not allocate more than 5 percent of the total revenues derived from the tax for facilities described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(c) For purposes of this section, “infrastructure” means any of the following:

(1) Transportation facilities, as allowable under Section 180205.

(2) Water, stormwater, wastewater, or other utility-related facilities.

(d) This section does not apply to a retail transactions and use tax approved by the electors before January 1, 2026.


text:
(a) (1) An ordinance and corresponding expenditure plan may be imposed by the authority in a geographic area that comprises less than the total area of the County of Sacramento, including its incorporated cities, subject to the guidelines set forth in subdivision (c).

(2) An ordinance and expenditure plan described in paragraph (1) shall be adopted by at least a two-thirds vote of the total membership of the governing board.

(3) An ordinance described in paragraph (1) shall be subject to voter approval by the electors in the area to which the tax applies.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 180102, if an ordinance and expenditure plan for a portion of the County of Sacramento are approved pursuant to the process set forth in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 180200), all subsequent governing board decisions and actions related to implementation of that ordinance and expenditure plan, including an action to amend the expenditure plan pursuant to Section 180207, shall be made by a majority of both of the following:

(1) Those members representing the city or cities subject to the ordinance, if any.

(2) All members appointed from the board of supervisors.

(c) The governing board shall determine the area to which the tax would apply before the electors vote on the measure. If the tax only applies to a portion of the county, all of the following shall apply:

(1) The incorporated area of a city within the county shall be either wholly included or wholly excluded from the area to be taxed.

(2) The unincorporated area of the county shall either be wholly included or wholly excluded from the area to be taxed.

(3) The area to be taxed shall include at least the incorporated area from two cities or the incorporated area from one city and the unincorporated area from the county.

(d) All revenues derived from the tax shall be expended for the primary benefit of the portion of the county in which the tax is imposed. Expenditures made within that portion of the county are deemed to confer a primary benefit. The authority shall, as part of the expenditure plan, adopt objective eligibility guidelines that define primary benefit. The expenditure plan, including those guidelines, shall be made readily accessible to voters in the manner required by Section 180203. Any revenues derived from the tax shall supplement, and not supplant, other transportation revenues available to the portion of the county to which the tax applies.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 180206, an expenditure plan applicable to a portion of the county shall not be adopted until it has received the approval of the board of supervisors and of the city councils representing both a majority of the cities included within the area subject to the tax and a majority of the population residing in the incorporated areas subject to the tax.

(f) Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, the other provisions of this division that apply to an ordinance and expenditure plan shall also apply to an ordinance and expenditure plan applicable to a portion of the county, including the authority to issue bonds pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 180250).

(g) The term “district,” as defined and used in Sections 7252, 7261, and 7262 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall not be interpreted to preclude the authority from imposing a transactions and use tax in accordance with the Transactions and Use Tax Law (Part 1.6 (commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code) in an area that comprises less than the total geographic jurisdiction of the authority, so long as all other applicable requirements of that law are complied with.


text: The Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority is hereby created. For the purposes of this division, “authority” means the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 375, Sec. 1. (AB 881) Effective January 1, 2010.)

division: 19.1. SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL CLIMATE PROTECTION AUTHORITY


text: The authority is a public instrumentality governed by the same board as that governing the Sonoma County Transportation Authority. The authority is, however, a separate entity from the Sonoma County Transportation Authority.

path: 19.1. SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL CLIMATE PROTECTION AUTHORITY


text: The authority, in cooperation with local agencies that elect to participate, may perform coordination and implementation activities, within the boundaries of Sonoma County, to assist those agencies in meeting their greenhouse gas emission reduction goals as set forth in resolutions and adopted plans and develop, coordinate, and implement programs and policies to comply with Chapter 488 of the Statutes of 2006 and other federal or state mandates and programs designed to respond to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. “Local agency,” as used in this division, shall mean a county, city, whether general law or chartered, city and county, town, school district, municipal corporation, district, political subdivision, or any board, commission, or agency thereof, or other local public agency.


text:
Activities authorized under Section 181003 shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Reduction of energy consumption.

(b) Coordination and implemention of energy efficiency projects.

(c) Increasing efficiency of water use.

(d) Utilizing carbon sequestration opportunities.

(e) Administration of grants to local entities.

(f) Alternative transportation options.

(g) Measuring and quantifying ongoing greenhouse gas reductions.


text: The authority shall adopt rules for its proceedings consistent with the laws of the state.


text: A majority of the members of the authority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and all official acts of the authority require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the authority.


text: The acts of the authority shall be expressed by motion, resolution, or ordinance.


text: All meetings of the authority shall be conducted pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code.


text:
The authority shall do all of the following:

(a) Adopt an annual budget.

(b) Adopt an administrative code, by ordinance, which prescribes the powers and duties of the authority officers, the method of appointment of the authority employees, and methods, procedures, and systems of operation and management of the authority.

(c) Cause a postaudit of the financial transactions and records of the authority to be made at least annually by a certified public accountant.

(d) Do any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of this division.


text: The members of the authority shall be compensated as determined by the authority and shall be reimbursed for necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performing authority duties.


text:
(a) Notice of the time and place of a public hearing on the adoption of the annual budget shall be published pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code not later than 15 days prior to the hearing.

(b) The proposed annual budget shall be available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the hearing.


text: The authority may sue and be sued, except as provided by law, in all actions and proceedings, in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.


text: All claims for money or damages against the authority are governed by Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code, except as provided therein, or by other statute or regulation expressly applicable thereto.


text: The authority may apply for funds available to carry out its functions and may receive grants of funds to carry out its functions. All funds available to the authority shall be held in a separate account and accounted for independently. No transportation funds may be used for purposes of this division other than those activities of the authority related to transportation. No funding from the Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County (Measure M), approved by voters in 2004 shall be used for the purpose of this division.


text: Nothing in this division shall supersede or interfere with activities, plans, or actions of other local agencies.


text: This division shall be known, and may be cited, as the California High-Speed Rail Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 796, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

path: 19.5. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL SERVICE > 1. General Provisions,Findings, and Definitions


text:
The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:

(a) California, over the past decades, has built an extensive network of freeways and airports to meet the state’s growing transportation needs.

(b) These facilities are not adequate to meet the mobility needs of the current population.

(c) The population of the state and the travel demands of its citizens are expected to continue to grow at a rapid rate.

(d) The cost of expanding the current network of highways and airports fully to meet current and future transportation needs is prohibitive, and a total expansion strategy would be detrimental to air quality.

(e) Intercity rail service, when coordinated with urban transit and airports, is an efficient, practical, and less polluting transportation mode that can fill the gap between future demand and present capacity.

(f) Advances in rail technology have allowed intercity rail systems in Europe and Japan to attain speeds of up to 200 miles per hour and compete effectively with air travel for trips in the 200 to 500-mile range.

(g) Development of a high-speed rail system is a necessary and viable alternative to automobile and air travel in the state.

(h) In order for the state to have a comprehensive network of high-speed intercity rail systems by the year 2020, it must begin preparation of a high-speed intercity rail plan similar to California’s former freeway plan and designate an entity with stable and predictable funding sources to implement the plan.

(i) Utilizing existing human and manufacturing resources to build a large network of high-speed rail systems will generate jobs and economic growth for today’s population and produce a transportation network for future generations.

(j) Upon confirmation of the need and costs by detailed studies, the private sector, together with the state, can build and operate new high-speed intercity rail systems utilizing private and public financing.

(k) The existing high-speed rail commission is completing its work and a successor authority to continue planning is necessary.

division: 19.5. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL SERVICE

chapter: 1. General Provisions,Findings, and Definitions


text:
As used in this division, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) “Authority” means the High-Speed Rail Authority.

(b) “Department” means the Department of Transportation.

(c) “High-speed rail” means intercity passenger rail service that utilizes an alignment and technology that makes it capable of sustained speeds of 200 miles per hour or greater.


text:
(a) There is in the Transportation Agency a High-Speed Rail Authority.

(b) (1) The authority is composed of 11 members as follows:

(A) Five members appointed by the Governor.

(B) Two members appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.

(C) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.

(D) One Member of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and one Member of the Assembly appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly shall be ex officio members without vote and shall participate in the activities of the authority to the extent that participation is not incompatible with their positions as Members of the Legislature.

(2) For the purposes of making appointments to the authority pursuant to subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1), the Governor, the Senate Committee on Rules, and the Speaker of the Assembly shall take into consideration geographical diversity to ensure that all regions of the state are adequately represented.

(c) Except as provided in subdivision (d), and until their successors are appointed, members of the authority, other than members appointed pursuant to subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), shall hold office for terms of four years. A vacancy shall be filled by the appointing power making the original appointment, by appointing a member to serve the remainder of the term or, in the case of a member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, at the pleasure of the Speaker of the Assembly.

(d) (1) In order to provide for evenly staggered terms, persons appointed or reappointed to the authority by the Governor and the Senate Committee on Rules after January 1, 2001, shall be appointed to initial terms to expire as follows:

(A) Of the five persons appointed by the Governor, one shall be appointed to a term that expires on December 31, 2002, one shall be appointed to a term that expires on December 31, 2003, one shall be appointed to a term that expires on December 31, 2004, and two shall be appointed to terms that expire on December 31, 2005.

(B) Of the two persons appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, one shall be appointed to a term that expires on December 31, 2002, and one shall be appointed to a term that expires on December 31, 2004.

(2) Following expiration of each of the initial terms provided for in this subdivision, the term shall expire every four years thereafter on December 31.

(e) Members of the authority are subject to the Political Reform Act of 1974 (Title 9 (commencing with Section 81000) of the Government Code).

(f) From among its voting members, the authority shall elect a chairperson, who shall preside at all meetings of the authority, and a vice chairperson to preside in the absence of the chairperson. The chairperson shall serve a term of one year.

(g) Five voting members of the authority constitute a quorum for taking any action by the authority.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 43, Sec. 5. (AB 1831) Effective June 27, 2018.)

chapter: 2. The High-Speed Rail Authority

path: 19.5. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL SERVICE > 2. The High-Speed Rail Authority


text:
(a) Each voting member of the authority shall receive compensation of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day that the member is attending to the business of the authority, but shall not receive more than five hundred dollars ($500) in any calendar month.

(b) Voting members of the authority shall be reimbursed for their actual travel expenses incurred in attending to the business of the authority.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 117, Sec. 2. (AB 1813) Effective January 1, 2017.)


text:
(a) The authority shall appoint an executive director, exempt from civil service, who shall serve at the pleasure of the authority, to administer the affairs of the authority as directed by the authority.

(b) For purposes of managing and administering the ongoing work of the authority in implementing the high-speed train project, the Governor, upon the recommendation of the executive director, may appoint up to six additional individuals, exempt from civil service, who shall serve at the pleasure of the executive director. Pursuant to this subdivision, the Governor may appoint persons only for the following positions:

(1) Chief program manager.

(2) Up to three regional directors.

(3) Chief financial officer.

(4) Director of risk management and project controls.

(c) The compensation of the executive director and the additional persons authorized by subdivision (b) shall be established by the authority, and approved by the Department of Human Resources, in an amount that is reasonably necessary, in the discretion of the authority, to attract and hold a person of superior qualifications. The authority shall cause to be conducted, through the use of independent outside advisers, a salary survey to determine the compensation for the positions under this subdivision. The Department of Human Resources may, in its discretion, accept a previously completed salary survey that meets the requirements of this subdivision, and shall review the methodology used in the survey. The salary survey shall consider both of the following:

(1) Other state, regional, and local transportation agencies that are most comparable to the authority and its responsibilities.

(2) Other relevant labor pools.

The compensation set by the authority shall not exceed the highest comparable compensation for a position of that type, as determined by the salary survey. Based on the salary survey, these positions shall be paid a salary established by the authority and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

(d) The executive director may, as authorized by the authority, appoint necessary staff to carry out the provisions of this part.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 665, Sec. 188. (SB 1308) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text: The authority shall direct the development and implementation of intercity high-speed rail service that is fully integrated with the state’s existing intercity rail and bus network, consisting of interlinked conventional and high-speed rail lines and associated feeder buses. The intercity network in turn shall be fully coordinated and connected with commuter rail lines and urban rail transit lines developed by local agencies, as well as other transit services, through the use of common station facilities whenever possible.

chapter: 3. Responsibilities of the Authority

path: 19.5. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL SERVICE > 3. Responsibilities of the Authority


text:
Upon an appropriation in the Budget Act for that purpose, the authority shall prepare a plan for the construction and operation of a high-speed train network for the state, consistent with and continuing the work of the Intercity High-Speed Rail Commission conducted prior to January 1, 1997. The plan shall include an appropriate network of conventional intercity passenger rail service and shall be coordinated with existing and planned commuter and urban rail systems.

(a) The authorization and responsibility for planning, construction, and operation of high-speed passenger train service at speeds exceeding 125 miles per hour in this state is exclusively granted to the authority.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (2), nothing in this subdivision precludes other local, regional, or state agencies from exercising powers provided by law with regard to planning or operating, or both, passenger rail service.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 166. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text:
(a) The authority shall prepare, publish, adopt, and submit to the Legislature, not later than May 1, 2014, and every two years thereafter, a business plan. At least 60 days prior to the publication of the plan, the authority shall publish a draft business plan for public review and comment. The draft plan shall also be submitted to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing, the Assembly Committee on Transportation, the Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, and the Assembly Committee on Budget.

(b) (1) The business plan shall include, but need not be limited to, all of the following elements:

(A) A description of the type of service the authority is developing and the proposed chronology for the construction of the statewide high-speed rail system, and the estimated capital costs for each segment or combination of segments.

(B) A forecast of the expected patronage, service levels, and operating and maintenance costs for the Phase 1 corridor as identified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2704.04 of the Streets and Highways Code and by each segment or combination of segments for which a project level environmental analysis is being prepared for Phase 1. The forecast shall assume a high, medium, and low level of patronage and a realistic operating planning scenario for each level of service.

(C) Alternative financial scenarios for different levels of service, based on the patronage forecast in subparagraph (B), and the operating break-even points for each alternative. Each scenario shall assume the terms of subparagraph (J) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 2704.08 of the Streets and Highways Code.

(D) The expected schedule for completing environmental review, and initiating and completing construction for each segment or combination of segments of Phase 1.

(E) An estimate and description of the total anticipated federal, state, local, and other funds the authority intends to access to fund the construction and operation of the system, and the level of confidence for obtaining each type of funding.

(F) Any written agreements with public or private entities to fund components of the high-speed rail system, including stations and terminals, and any impediments to the completion of the system.

(G) Alternative public-private development strategies for the implementation of Phase 1.

(H) A discussion of all reasonably foreseeable risks the project may encounter, including, but not limited to, risks associated with the project’s finances, patronage, right-of-way acquisition, environmental clearances, construction, equipment, and technology, and other risks associated with the project’s development. The plan shall describe the authority’s strategies, processes, or other actions it intends to utilize to manage those risks.

(2) To the extent feasible, the business plan should draw upon information and material developed according to other requirements, including, but not limited to, the preappropriation review process and the preexpenditure review process in the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century pursuant to Section 2704.08 of the Streets and Highways Code. The authority shall hold at least one public hearing on the business plan and shall adopt the plan at a regularly scheduled meeting. When adopting the plan, the authority shall take into consideration comments from the public hearing and written comments that it receives in that regard, and any hearings that the Legislature may hold prior to adoption of the plan.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 237, Sec. 6. (AB 528) Effective January 1, 2014.)


text:
On or before March 1, 2017, and every two years thereafter, the authority shall provide a project update report, approved by the Secretary of Transportation as consistent with the criteria in this section, to the budget committees and the appropriate policy committees of both houses of the Legislature, on the development and implementation of intercity high-speed train service pursuant to Section 185030. The report, at a minimum, shall include a programwide summary, as well as details by project segment, with all information necessary to clearly describe the status of the project, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(a) A summary describing the overall progress of the project.

(b) The baseline budget for all project phase costs, by segment or contract, beginning with the California High-Speed Rail Program Revised 2012 Business Plan.

(c) The current and projected budget, by segment or contract, for all project phase costs.

(d) Expenditures to date, by segment or contract, for all project phase costs.

(e) A comparison of the current and projected work schedule and the baseline schedule contained in the California High-Speed Rail Program Revised 2012 Business Plan.

(f) A summary of milestones achieved during the prior two-year period and milestones expected to be reached in the coming two-year period.

(g) Any issues identified during the prior two-year period and actions taken to address those issues.

(h) A thorough discussion of risks to the project and steps taken to mitigate those risks.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 12, Sec. 2. (AB 95) Effective June 24, 2015.)


text:
(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “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.

(2) “Phase 1 System” means Phase 1 of the high-speed train project described in Section 2704.04 of the Streets and Highways Code.

(b) (1) As part of the project update report that is due on or before March 1, 2023, pursuant to Section 185033.5, the authority shall develop schedules related to the delivery of all of the following tasks:

(A) Completion of the 119-mile dual track segment from Madera to Poplar Avenue, which means Avenue 19 in the County of Madera to one mile north of the Tulare-Kern county line southward to north of Bakersfield, currently near Poplar Avenue.

(B) Completion of right-of-way, planning, and advance engineering for extensions to Merced and Bakersfield.

(C) Completion of an agreement or agreements between the state, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, and the authority that details the role of each in planning, constructing, and funding the connection in the City of Merced.

(D) Completion of an agreement or agreements between the state, the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, and the authority covering the planning, funding, and operation of the proposed high-speed rail services from Merced to Bakersfield and the authority and approval for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority to contract for the operation of the high-speed rail services.

(E) Provision of an updated cost estimate with a stated probability level, or levels, of its ongoing contracts and for the work it is funding and managing that is required to complete the Merced to Bakersfield segment extensions.

(F) Completion of a funding plan that includes any additional federal funding awards for the Merced to Bakersfield segment.

(G) Additional milestones required for the completion of the Merced to Bakersfield segment and the full Phase 1 System pursuant to subparagraphs (A) to (F), inclusive.

(2) The delivery schedules developed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be included and updated in each subsequent business plan adopted pursuant to Section 185033 and project update report prepared pursuant to Section 185033.5.

(c) (1) In order to demonstrate reasonable likelihood of adequate funding to complete the Merced to Bakersfield segment, the authority shall provide all of the following information in the project update report that is due on or before March 1, 2023, pursuant to Section 185033.5:

(A) Estimated and actual civil works costs of the Merced to Bakersfield segment.

(B) Estimated and actual right-of-way, acquisitions, utilities, and other third-party agreement costs.

(C) Estimates of contract costs, including contingencies to cover change orders.

(D) Other costs, estimated and actual, including, but not limited to, rolling stock, interim use, and stations.

(E) Costs reported in a manner than can be comparable across reports.

(F) Updates on the authority’s progress on achieving project milestones, as established in the project update report or the business plan adopted pursuant to Section 185033.

(G) Funding commitments beyond the Merced to Bakersfield segment, and spending to meet those commitments to date, including funding sources used to meet identified funding commitments.

(2) The information specified in paragraph (1) shall be included and updated in each subsequent business plan adopted pursuant to Section 185033 and project update report prepared pursuant to Section 185033.5.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 71, Sec. 8. (SB 198) Effective June 30, 2022.)


text:
(a) As part of the business plan that is due on or before May 1, 2026, pursuant to Section 185033, the authority shall provide a detailed funding plan for the Merced to Bakersfield segment that includes all of the following information:

(1) An updated estimate of the funding gap for completing the segment.

(2) A strategy for addressing the funding gap that includes all of the following:

(A) An itemized list of anticipated funds by source.

(B) A timeline describing when each source of funds must be received in order to meet the authority’s schedule for segment completion.

(C) The estimated project delays that would result if any funding source fails to materialize, and a discussion of how work could be resequenced to minimize these delays.

(D) An assessment of the likelihood that each proposed source of funding will materialize, including the identification of any major risks for obtaining the funding and a plan for mitigating those risks.

(3) Options for initiating service on the segment described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 185033.7 and the estimated schedule and costs associated with the service.

(b) For purposes of this section, “Merced to Bakersfield segment” has the same meaning as defined in Section 185033.7.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 81, Sec. 1. (AB 377) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
The authority may do any of the following:

(1) Conduct engineering and other studies related to the selection and acquisition of rights-of-way and the selection of a franchisee, including, but not limited to, environmental impact studies, socioeconomic impact studies, and financial feasibility studies.

(2) Evaluate alternative high-speed rail technologies, systems and operators, and select an appropriate high-speed rail system.

(3) Establish criteria for the award of a franchise.

(4) Accept grants, fees, and allocations from the state, from political subdivisions of the state or from the federal government, foreign governments, and private sources.

(5) Select a proposed franchisee, a proposed route, and proposed terminal sites.

(6) Enter into contracts with public and private entities for the preparation of the plan.

(7) Prepare a detailed financing plan, including any necessary taxes, fees, or bonds to pay for the construction of the high-speed train network.

(8) Develop a proposed high-speed rail financial plan, including necessary taxes, bonds, or both, or other indebtedness, and submit the plan to the Legislature and to the Governor.

(9) Keep the public informed of its activities.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 696, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)


text: For purposes of Article 3 (commencing with Section 87300) of Chapter 7 of Title 9 of the Government Code, each individual who is selected by the authority to serve in a peer review capacity to the authority shall be deemed to be a designated employee of the authority, and the authority shall be deemed to be the appointing power. Statements required to be filed pursuant to Section 87302 of the Government Code shall be filed with the authority.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 626, Sec. 2. (AB 41) Effective September 27, 2012.)


text:
(a) The authority shall establish an independent peer review group for the purpose of reviewing the planning, engineering, financing, and other elements of the authority’s plans and issuing an analysis of appropriateness and accuracy of the authority’s assumptions and an analysis of the viability of the authority’s financing plan, including the funding plan for each corridor required pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 2704.08 of the Streets and Highways Code.

(b) The peer review group shall include all of the following:

(1) Two individuals with education and experience in the planning and construction of large transportation systems, such as high-speed rail, or highway systems with similar characteristics, designated by the Treasurer.

(2) Two individuals, one with experience in engineering and construction of high-speed rail or similar large infrastructure projects and one with experience in project planning and finance, designated by the Controller.

(3) One representative from a financial services or financial consulting firm who shall not have been a contractor or subcontractor of the authority for the previous three years, designated by the Director of Finance.

(4) One representative with experience in environmental planning, designated by the Secretary of Transportation.

(5) Two individuals with experience providing or governing intercity or commuter passenger train services in California, designated by the Secretary of Transportation.

(c) The peer review group shall evaluate the authority’s funding plans and prepare its independent judgment as to the feasibility and reasonableness of the plans, appropriateness of assumptions, analyses, and estimates, and any other observations or evaluations it deems necessary.

(d) The authority shall provide the peer review group any and all information that the peer review group may request to carry out its responsibilities.

(e) The peer review group shall report its findings and conclusions to the Legislature no later than 60 days after receiving the plans.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 12, Sec. 3. (AB 95) Effective June 24, 2015.)


text:
Upon approval by the Legislature, by the enactment of a statute, or approval by the voters of a financial plan providing the necessary funding for the construction of a high-speed network, the authority may do any of the following:

(a) Enter into contracts with private or public entities for the design, construction, and operation of high-speed trains. The contracts may be separated into individual tasks or segments or may include all tasks and segments, including a design-build or design-build-operate contract.

(b) Acquire rights-of-way through purchase or eminent domain.

(c) Issue debt, secured by pledges of state funds, federal grants, or project revenues. The pledge of state funds shall be limited to those funds expressly authorized by statute or voter-approved initiatives.

(d) Enter into cooperative or joint development agreements with local governments or private entities.

(e) Set fares and schedules.

(f) Relocate highways and utilities.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 328, Sec. 208. (SB 1330) Effective January 1, 2011.)


text:
(a) The authority shall make every effort to purchase high-speed train rolling stock and related equipment that are manufactured in California, as defined in subdivision (b), consistent with federal law and any other applicable provision of state law.

(b) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “Manufactured in California” means that the rolling stock and related equipment are manufactured in whole or in substantial part within California or that the majority of the component parts of the rolling stock and related equipment were manufactured in whole or in substantial part in California.

(2) “Manufactured” means an activity of converting or conditioning property by changing the form, composition, quality, or character of the property for ultimate sale at retail or use in the manufacturing of a product to be ultimately sold at retail.

(c) Nothing in this section creates a private right of action in any civil litigation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 413, Sec. 1. (AB 16) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text: Notwithstanding the authority’s ability to delegate power to the executive director pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 185024, a contract change order with a value greater than one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) shall be approved by the authority.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 248, Sec. 1. (AB 2879) Effective January 1, 2025.)


text:
(a) For purposes of this section, “Merced to Bakersfield segment” has the same meaning as defined in Section 185033.7.

(b) Before submitting a federal grant application for funding for implementation of the high-speed rail project, the authority shall notify the chairpersons of the relevant committees of both houses of the Legislature of the authority’s intent to apply for federal funding. This notification shall include, but not is limited to, all of the following information:

(1) Amount of federal funding for which the authority is applying.

(2) Activities for which the funding will be used, including whether the planned activities are located on the Merced to Bakersfield segment.

(3) The expected source and level of state matching funding required for a successful grant application.

(4) If there is expected matching state funding that would be spent outside the Merced to Bakersfield segment, the notification shall include an explanation of the need for the proposed spending and how it is consistent with the Legislature’s stated goal of prioritizing the construction of the Merced to Bakersfield segment, as described in Section 1 of the act adding this section.

(c) (1) Before releasing a request for proposals (RFP) after June 1, 2022, the authority shall notify the chairpersons of the relevant committees of both houses of the Legislature of the authority’s intent to release the RFP if it would involve any of the following:

(A) Track and systems.

(B) Leasing or procurement of train sets.

(C) Any work with an estimated value of over two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000) or a duration of 10 years or more.

(2) The notification required pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, but not is limited to, all of the following information:

(A) Expected value and duration of the contract.

(B) Activities for which the authority will be contracting.

(C) How the proposed contract is consistent with the Legislature’s stated goal of prioritizing the completion of the Merced to Bakersfield segment, as described in Section 1 of the act adding this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 71, Sec. 9. (SB 198) Effective June 30, 2022.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for any project along the high-speed rail network, the authority may contract with the department to perform project design and engineering services, including construction inspection services.

(b) For purposes of this section, “project design and engineering services, including construction inspection services” means preliminary engineering, planning, prebid services, right-of-way acquisition, preparation of environmental documents, preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates, construction inspection including surveying and materials testing, quality control inspection including highway and utility relocation, and grade separations.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 267, Sec. 3. Effective August 26, 2008.)


text: Any legal or equitable action brought against the authority shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the County of Sacramento. For purposes of this section, subdivision (1) of Section 401 of the Code of Civil Procedure does not apply.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 696, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2003.)


text:
(a) If the authority determines that real property or an interest therein, previously or hereafter acquired by the state for high-speed rail purposes, is no longer necessary for those purposes, the authority may sell or exchange the real property or interest therein at fair market value in the manner set forth in this section.

(b) Before selling the real property or interest therein in any manner authorized under this section, the authority shall send notification by certified mail to the last known owner of the real property or interest therein at his or her last known address, advising him or her that the real property or interest therein will be offered for sale. The authority shall not sell the real property or interest therein until at least 30 days after the notification has been sent.

(c) The authority may sell the property to an adjoining landowner if it makes either of the following findings:

(1) (A) That the property is of a size or shape that it is below the average normal standard size and shape of other privately owned properties in the immediate neighborhood, and that if the property were sold to other than the adjoining owner, it would give rise to a land use development thereof that would be below and not consistent with the normal land use of other properties in that neighborhood, (B) that the sale of the property to a party other than the adjoining owner may cause an undue or unfair hardship to the adjoining owner in the normal land use development or operation of his or her property, (C) that the property considered as part of the adjoining property would have a higher and better use than under separate ownership, and (D) that the fair market value of the property considered as part of the adjoining property would be higher than under separate ownership.

(2) (A) That the sale of the excess parcel to other than the adjoining owner would deprive the adjoining owner of an existing vested right of access to a public highway and thereby create a possible cause of action against the authority or the state.

(B) A sale to an adjoining landowner pursuant to this subdivision may be by contract to sell or trust deed. The payment period in a contract of sale or sale by trust deed shall not extend longer than 10 years from the time the contract of sale or trust deed is executed, and a transaction involving a contract of sale or sale by trust deed to private parties shall require a downpayment of at least 30 percent of the purchase price.

(d) The authority may sell the property to municipalities or other local agencies at their request, without calling for competitive bids, at a price representing the fair market value thereof, and upon a determination that the intended use is for a public purpose.

(e) If it is improved property, the property may be sold to a former owner who has remained in occupancy or to a residential tenant of a tenure of five years or more with all rent obligations current or paid in full.

(f) Any real property or interest therein may in like manner be exchanged, either as whole or part consideration, for any other real property or interest therein as needed for high-speed rail purposes. This provision does not authorize exchanges where the value of the state-owned property exceeds the value of the property the authority seeks to acquire, unless the excess value is incidental and subdivision of the state-owned property, in order to produce a smaller parcel of equal value to the value of the property the authority seeks to acquire, would reduce the total value of the state-owned property.

(g) Except as otherwise provided in this section, property shall be sold either by receipt of competitive sealed bids or at public auction, whichever method is determined by the authority to be more likely to achieve the higher sales price.

(h) Any payments received under this section for the sale of real property no longer necessary for high-speed rail purposes shall be deposited in the High-Speed Rail Property Fund created pursuant to Section 185045 and shall be available to the authority upon appropriation as provided in that section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 224. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

chapter: 4. Rights-of-Way

path: 19.5. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL SERVICE > 4. Rights-of-Way


text: The authority may sell or lease excess right-of-way parcels to municipalities or other local agencies for public purposes, and may accept as all or part of the consideration for the sale or lease any substantial benefits the state will derive from the municipality or other local agency’s undertaking maintenance or landscaping costs that would otherwise be the obligation of the state.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 132, Sec. 8. (AB 481) Effective January 1, 2014.)


text: The authority may lease nonoperating right-of-way areas to municipalities or other local agencies for public purposes, and may contribute toward the cost of developing local parks and other recreational facilities on those areas. The authority may accept as all or part of the consideration for the lease or for the state contribution any substantial benefits the state will derive from the municipality or other local agency’s undertaking maintenance or landscaping costs that would otherwise be the obligation of the state. Those leases shall contain a provision that whenever the leased land is needed for high-speed rail operating purposes the lease shall terminate. The authority is authorized to classify portions of high-speed rail rights-of-way as nonoperating.


text: The authority may lease to public agencies or private entities or individuals for any term not to exceed 99 years the use of areas above or below operating rights-of-way and portions of property not currently being used as operating rights-of-way, subject to any reservations, restrictions, and conditions that it deems necessary to ensure adequate protection of the safety and adequacy of high-speed rail facilities and of abutting or adjacent land uses. Prior to entering into any lease, the authority shall determine that the proposed use is not in conflict with the zoning regulations of the local government concerned. The leases shall be made in accordance with procedures to be prescribed by the authority, except that, in the cases of leases with private entities or individuals, the leases shall be made only after competitive bidding. The possibilities of entering into the leases, and the consequent benefits to be derived therefrom, may be considered by the authority in designing and constructing the high-speed rail system. Revenues from the leases shall be deposited in the High-Speed Rail Property Fund created pursuant to Section 185045.


text: The High-Speed Rail Property Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury for the deposit of revenue received from the sale, lease, or grant of any interest in or use of real property owned or managed by the High-Speed Rail Authority. Revenues in the fund shall be available to the authority, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for use in the development, improvement, and maintenance of the high-speed rail system, consistent with appropriate uses for each funding source.


text:
(a) “High-speed rail property” means real property or an interest therein, including any right-of-way, previously or hereafter acquired by the state for high-speed rail purposes.

(b) “Person” means a natural person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, organization, limited liability company, or business trust, and includes any city, county, city and county, public corporation, or public district.

(c) “Utility” means any person maintaining a utility facility.

(d) “Utility facility” means any pole, pole line, pipe, pipeline, conduit, cable, aqueduct, or other structure or appurtenance thereof used for publicly or privately owned utility services or used by any mutual organization supplying water or telephone service to its members.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 35, Sec. 7. (SB 85) Effective June 27, 2013.)

chapter: 5. Relocation of Utilities

path: 19.5. CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL SERVICE > 5. Relocation of Utilities


text:
(a) When the authority requires any utility to remove any utility facility lawfully maintained in the right-of-way of any high-speed rail property to a location entirely outside the high-speed rail property right-of-way, the authority shall pay the reasonable and necessary cost of the removal. This includes both the cost of removal and the cost of relocation to a new location outside of the high-speed rail property right-of-way.

(b) This section does not apply to the relocation of a utility facility from one point in a high-speed rail property to another point in that property, including relocation in any service road of the high-speed rail property or from one point of crossing of the high-speed rail property to another reasonable point of crossing.


text:
(a) When the authority requires a publicly owned utility to relocate within a high-speed rail property any utility facility lawfully maintained in that property that was not used for high-speed rail purposes at the time the utility facility was originally installed, the authority shall pay the cost of the relocation.

(b) When the authority requires a privately owned utility to relocate within a high-speed rail property any utility facility used solely to supply water, which facility is lawfully maintained in any high-speed rail property that was not used for high-speed rail purposes at the time that the utility facility was originally installed, the authority shall pay the cost of the relocation.

(c) When the authority requires a privately owned utility to relocate within a high-speed rail property any utility facility, other than one used solely to supply water, which facility is lawfully maintained in any high-speed rail property that was not used for high-speed rail purposes at the time the utility facility was originally installed, and it is established by the utility that the utility is not under express contractual obligation to relocate the utility facility at its own expense, the authority shall pay the cost of the relocation.

(d) A permit containing a contractual obligation that was accepted by the utility for maintenance or minor improvement of the facility after the property became high-speed rail property shall not constitute a contractual obligation to relocate a utility facility at its own expense within the meaning of this section.

(e) Publicly owned sewers and fire hydrants and any street lighting structure, whether publicly or privately owned, in any high-speed rail property shall be relocated, where necessary, at the expense of the authority.


text: If the authority requires the relocation within the right-of-way of any utility facility more than once within a period of 10 years, the authority shall pay the cost of the second relocation and any subsequent relocation within the 10-year period.


text:
(a) In any case in which the authority is required under the provisions of this chapter to pay the cost of removal or relocation of any utility facility, it shall be entitled to the following credits:

(1) In the amount of any betterment to the utility facility resulting from the removal or relocation, not in excess of the cost of the increased capacity of the facility.

(2) The salvage value of any materials or parts salvaged and retained by the utility.

(3) If a new utility facility or portion of that facility is constructed to accomplish the removal or relocation, an allowance of an amount equal to the same proportion of the original cost of the displaced utility facility or portion of that facility as the age of the facility bears to the normal expected life of the facility.

(b) A credit shall not be allowed against any portion of the cost that is otherwise chargeable to the utility.

(c) A credit allowance for age shall not be applied to publicly owned sewers.


text:
(a) The authority and any utility required to remove a utility facility or to relocate any utility facility may, by agreement, provide for the respective amounts of the cost to be borne by each. The authority may, without prejudice to its rights under Section 185506, advance the cost of removal or relocation, and, if the authority advances that cost, it is the duty of the utility to move its facilities as soon as reasonably possible so as not to delay high-speed rail construction. In the case of any utility that is not financially able to bear the costs of removal or relocation, the authority may by agreement provide for the work to be done on condition that the utility’s portion of the costs be repaid to the authority over a period of time not exceeding 10 years.

(b) Either party may maintain an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for an adjudication as to the obligations and costs to be borne by each party under any contract entered into by the parties at any time within four years after the cause of action first arose. The cause of action shall be deemed to arise at the time of the completion by the utility of the removal or relocation in question, or at the time of a breach of the agreement by either party, whichever occurs first. The filing of a claim with a state agency shall not be deemed a condition precedent to the maintenance by the utility of an action under this subdivision.


text: In the event of failure to reach an agreement as provided in Section 185505, the utility or the authority may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for apportionment of the cost between them in accordance with this chapter. This action shall be commenced within three years of the date of completion by the utility of the removal or relocation in question. The filing of a claim with a state agency shall not be deemed a condition precedent to the maintenance by the utility of an action pursuant to this section.


text:
(a) The authority and any utility as defined in Section 185500 may enter into a contract providing for or apportioning the obligations and costs to be borne by each party as to either or both of the following subject matters:

(1) Any or all removals or relocations of utility facilities completed by the utility prior to the effective date of the contract as required by notice given by the authority when necessary to accommodate any or all state high-speed rail construction, where: (A) the obligations or costs to be borne by each party for a removal or relocation are in dispute; and (B) the claim of the utility is: (i) founded upon a removal or relocation completed by the utility not earlier than three years preceding the effective date of the contract; or (ii) involved in an action pending in a court of competent jurisdiction if the action was commenced within three years after completion by the utility of the removal or relocation in question.

(2) Any or all removals or relocations of utility facilities to be undertaken or completed by the utility after the effective date of the contract as required by notice given by the authority when necessary to accommodate any or all state high-speed rail construction.

(b) Those provisions of a contract authorized in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) settling the claims of the parties in respect to removals or relocations of utility facilities completed by the utility prior to the effective date of the contract shall be irrevocable after the execution of the contract, unless changed or modified by mutual consent of the parties in writing. Either party may maintain an action in a court of competent jurisdiction upon any of the provisions of the contract at any time within two years after the effective date of the contract, and the utility need not file a claim with a state agency as a condition precedent to the maintenance of an action under this subdivision.

(c) Those provisions of a contract dealing with removals or relocations of utility facilities to be undertaken or completed by the utility after the effective date of the contract, as authorized in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), shall be subject to the following limitations and requirements:

(1) While the contract remains in effect, the contract shall govern exclusively the determination of the obligations and costs to be borne by each party in regard to any removal or relocation covered by the contract and undertaken or completed by the utility after the effective date of the contract, whether notice of the necessity of the removal or relocation was given by the authority to the utility before or after the effective date of the contract. This chapter, as now or hereafter existing, and any and all other laws that would be applicable to the subject matter but for the contract shall not apply, except that laws may be referred to, retained, and made applicable by the contract. This paragraph shall not apply in the following circumstances:

(A) If, before the effective date of a contract entered into under this section, the parties executed an agreement in respect to the obligations and costs to be borne by each party as to a particular removal or relocation under a notice given by the authority, the provisions of such an agreement shall govern as to the obligations and costs to be borne by each party in respect to that particular removal or relocation.

(B) If a particular notice given by the authority before the effective date of a contract entered into under this section includes a determination that a removal or relocation is to be made at the expense of the utility, the utility shall be bound by that notice unless the utility advised the authority in writing of its disagreement with the determination within the time specified in an agreement then in effect between the authority and the utility in respect to the procedure to be followed in those cases, or, if there is no such agreement, within a reasonable time after receipt by the utility of the notice.

(2) Either party may maintain an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for an adjudication as to the obligations and costs to be borne by each party under the contract at any time within four years after the cause of action first arose. The cause of action shall be deemed to arise at the time of the completion by the utility of the removal or relocation in question. The filing of a claim with a state agency shall not be deemed a condition precedent to the maintenance by the utility of an action under this paragraph.

(3) The contract shall terminate upon the repeal of this section, the repeal of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) and subdivision (c), or at the time or in the manner as may be provided in the contract. In the event of termination under this paragraph, the laws applicable to the subject matter of the contract existing at the time of termination shall thereafter govern, except that the terms of the contract shall continue to apply to removals or relocations required of the utility by the authority under notice mailed or delivered to the utility prior to the termination, whether work upon the removal or relocation has already commenced, is in progress, or has been completed.


text: A utility is entitled to a permit for such reasonable crossings of high-speed rail property as may be required for the proper discharge of the utility’s service to the public.


text: The authority shall exercise reasonable discretion in acting on applications of utilities for permits to occupy high-speed rail property for longitudinal locations of facilities, as may be required for the proper discharge of their services to the public. The authority may, however, refuse to grant an application for a longitudinal installation that would be inconsistent with public safety or the continued unobstructed use of the high-speed rail property for rail or vehicular traffic, or for any type of utility structure inconsistent with the aesthetic values of any landscaped high-speed rail property within, or approaching within, one mile of the limits of any city.


text: The authority, in acting upon applications for utility permits, shall consider both the interests of the traveling public upon the high-speed rail property and the needs of consumers for utility services.


text: Nothing in this chapter is intended to prevent the authority from making reasonable rules and regulations and requiring reasonable conditions in permits concerning the place, manner, and method of location of utility facilities in, under, over, or along high-speed rail property.


text:
(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.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 71, Sec. 10. (SB 198) Effective June 30, 2022.)

chapter: 1. General Provisions and Definitions

path: 19.7. HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL > 1. General Provisions and Definitions


text:
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.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 53, Sec. 7. (AB 173) Effective July 2, 2024.)

division: 19.7. HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL


text:
(a) (1) There is hereby created the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General.

(2) The Governor shall appoint the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General to a four-year term from a list of three qualified individuals nominated by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee shall select the three qualified individuals from a pool of candidates after conducting a comprehensive search for qualified individuals. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee shall provide at least 120 days’ notice that it is seeking applicants for nomination by providing notice in the Journals of the Senate and the Assembly and by advertising in appropriate newspapers and with nationally acknowledged professional journals and associations. Names for consideration by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee may be submitted by members of the Legislature, professional organizations, individuals, and other entities. The Inspector General shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation and solely on the ground of fitness to perform the duties of the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General.

(3) The Legislature and the Governor may provide suggested qualifications to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to consider when making its nominations.

(b) The Office of the Inspector General shall not be a subdivision of any other governmental entity.

(c) The Inspector General may not be removed from office by the Governor during that term, except for good cause.

path: 19.7. HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL > 2. The High-Speed Rail Authority Office of Inspector General


text:
(a) In coordination with the High-Speed Rail Authority, the Inspector General shall be provided with appropriate and adequate office space at the High-Speed Rail Authority’s offices or other facilities as necessary, together with such equipment, office supplies, maintenance services, and communications facilities and services as may be necessary for the operation of the Inspector General’s offices.

(b) For each fiscal year, the Inspector General shall provide the Department of Finance with the office’s proposed budget by September 1 of each year. If the Department of Finance makes any position or funding changes to the Inspector General’s proposed budget, including, but not limited to, modifications related to total funding amounts in the budget year and out-years, staff classifications, limited-term versus permanent positions, contract resources, and operating expenses and equipment, the Department of Finance shall provide a notification to the chairs and vice chairs of the budget committees of both houses of the Legislature and the Legislative Analyst’s Office identifying the differences and explaining the reasons for the differences. This notification shall be provided no later than January 10 of each year.

(c) The annual salary for the Inspector General shall be equal to that of the Inspector General of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation established pursuant to Chapter 8.2 (commencing with Section 6125) of Title 7 of Part 3 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 53, Sec. 8. (AB 173) Effective July 2, 2024.)

chapter: 2. The High-Speed Rail Authority Office of Inspector General


text: Subject to applicable law, the Inspector General shall select, appoint, and employ officers and employees necessary to carry out the functions of the office. In making these selections, the Inspector General shall ensure that those officers and employees have the requisite training and experience to enable the Inspector General to carry out their duties effectively.


text:
(a) The Inspector General may, under policies developed by the Inspector General, initiate an audit or review on the Inspector General’s own accord regarding oversight related to delivery of the project, and the selection and oversight of contractors related to the project. Following a completed audit or review, the Inspector General may perform a followup audit or review to determine what measures the High-Speed Rail Authority implemented to address the Inspector General’s findings and to assess the effectiveness of those measures. In considering what audits and reviews to perform, the Inspector General may consider input received from the Legislature, the Governor, and the High-Speed Rail Authority.

(b) The duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Commencing with the project update report required pursuant to Section 185033.5 that is due on or before March 1, 2023, to conduct independent fiscal estimates and reviews of the High-Speed Rail Authority’s plans and estimates for project advancement and make findings of the reasonableness of those plans and estimates.

(2) Commencing with the project update report required pursuant to Section 185033.5 that is due on or before March 1, 2023, to monitor progress toward meeting the milestones toward the implementation of the successful completion of the Merced to Bakersfield segment of the project, consistent with subdivision (a).

(3) To conduct audits and investigations relating to delivery of the project.

(4) To identify best practices in the delivery of capital projects and recommend policies to enable the High-Speed Rail Authority to adopt these practices when practicable.

(5) To recommend policies promoting efficiency in the administration of programs and operations as part of any audit findings.

(6) To review the High-Speed Rail Authority process for considering proposed and executed change orders and to make any recommendations to ensure the process is appropriate for determining the merit and reasonableness of change orders.

(7) To review the High-Speed Rail Authority’s contracts and contracting practices to determine whether they are executed consistent with state and federal laws and policies and are conducted in a fair and reasonable manner, providing the state with valued services at reasonable cost.

(8) To review proposed agreements to ensure that they are in the best interest of the state, the High-Speed Rail Authority’s statutory mission, and state priorities.

(9) To review or investigate adherence to contract provisions, including, but not limited to, billing and invoicing requirements, of any public or private entity, including a High-Speed Rail Authority contractor, that receives project funds.

(c) The Inspector General shall not investigate personnel issues regarding employees of the High-Speed Rail Authority.

(d) Nothing in this division is intended to infringe upon the authority of the High-Speed Rail Authority’s own audits and controls.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 53, Sec. 9. (AB 173) Effective July 2, 2024.)

path: 19.7. HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL > 3. Responsibilities of the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General


text:
(a) In connection with duties authorized pursuant to this division, the Office of the Inspector General may do any of the following:

(1) Administer oaths.

(2) Certify to all official acts.

(3) Receive and investigate complaints or information from any person concerning the existence of an activity constituting a violation of laws, rules, or regulations, or mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Once a complaint or information has been received from an employee of the High-Speed Rail Authority or one of its contractors:

(A) The Inspector General shall not disclose the identity of the employee without the consent of the employee, unless the Inspector General determines that the disclosure is unavoidable during the course of the investigation or the disclosure is made to an official of the Department of Justice responsible for determining whether a prosecution should be undertaken.

(B) No action constituting a reprisal, or threat of reprisal, for making the complaint or providing the information may be taken by any employee of the High-Speed Rail Authority or one of its contractors in a position to take those actions, unless the complaint was made or the information was disclosed with the knowledge that it was false or with willful disregard for its truth or falsity.

(4) Issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers, books, accounts, or documents in any medium, or for the making of oral or written sworn statements, in any interview conducted pursuant to duties authorized by this division.

(b) Any subpoena issued under this division extends as process to all parts of the state and may be served by any person authorized to serve process of courts of record or by any person designated for that purpose by the office. The person serving this process may receive compensation as is allowed by the office, not to exceed the fees prescribed by law for similar service.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 53, Sec. 10. (AB 173) Effective July 2, 2024.)

chapter: 3. Responsibilities of the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the Inspector General during regular business hours or at any other time determined necessary by the Inspector General shall have access to and authority to examine and reproduce any and all books, accounts, reports, vouchers, correspondence, files, documents, and other records, and to examine the bank accounts, moneys, or other property of the High-Speed Rail Authority in connection with duties authorized by this division. Any officer or employee of any agency or entity having these records or property in their possession or under their control shall permit access to, and examination and reproduction thereof consistent with the provisions of this division, upon the request of the Inspector General or the Inspector General’s authorized representative.

(b) The High-Speed Rail Authority shall ensure that the right-of-access provisions described in subdivision (a) are included in all of its contracts or amendments executed on or after July 1, 2024, in which project funds will be expended.

(c) Providing confidential information to the Inspector General pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, confidential information that is subject to a privilege, shall not constitute a waiver of that confidentiality.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 5. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026.)


text:
(a) The Inspector General shall not destroy any papers or memoranda used to support a completed audit or review sooner than three years after the corresponding report is published or delivered pursuant to Section 187037.

(b) All books, papers, records, and correspondence of the office pertaining to its work are public records subject to Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code and shall be filed at any of the regularly maintained offices of the Inspector General, except that none of the following items or papers of which these items are a part shall be released to the public by the Inspector General or the employees of the Inspector General:

(1) Personal papers and correspondence of any person providing assistance to the Inspector General for purposes of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 187032 when that person has requested in writing that their papers and correspondence be kept private and confidential. Consistent with subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 187032, those papers and correspondence shall become public records if the written request is withdrawn, or upon the order of the Inspector General.

(2) Papers, correspondence, memoranda, or any substantive information pertaining to any audit or review not completed.

(3) Papers, correspondence, or memoranda pertaining to any audit or review that has been completed, which papers, correspondence, or memoranda are not used in support of any report resulting from the audit or review.

(4) Any survey of public employees or contracted staff that the Inspector General determines should be kept confidential to deter retaliation if the employees or staff respond to the survey.

(5) Any record of an investigation conducted under this division, including, but not limited to, all investigative files and work product, except that the Inspector General, whenever the Inspector General determines it necessary to serve the interests of the state, may issue a public report of the results of an investigation that has substantiated a violation of laws, rules, or regulations, or mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety. Except as provided in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 187032, the Inspector General may also release any findings or evidence supporting any findings resulting from an investigation conducted pursuant to this division whenever the Inspector General determines it necessary to serve the interests of the state.

(c) The restrictions on public disclosure described in subdivision (b) shall only apply to records in the possession or control of the Inspector General, and shall not alter the responsibility of any other state or local agency to comply with all applicable laws regarding the disclosure of public records.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 6. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026.)


text: It is a misdemeanor for the Inspector General or any employee or former employee of the Inspector General to divulge or make known in any manner not expressly permitted by law to any person not employed by the Inspector General any particulars of any record, document, or information the disclosure of which is restricted by law from release to the public. This prohibition is also applicable to any person who has been furnished a draft copy of any report for comment or review or any person or business entity that is contracting with or has contracted with the Inspector General and to the employees and former employees of that person or business entity or the employees of any state agency or public entity that has assisted the Inspector General in connection with duties authorized by this division.


text:
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), upon completion of an audit or review conducted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 187030, the Inspector General shall do all of the following:

(1) Publish a complete report on its internet website.

(2) Provide, in compliance with policies developed by the Inspector General, notification of the published report to the Governor and the High-Speed Rail Authority.

(3) Submit a copy of the published report to the Legislature in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(b) (1) The Inspector General may hold a report, or a portion of a report, confidential for the period of time described in paragraph (3) if the Inspector General determines that the report, or a portion of the report, would describe or otherwise reveal weaknesses, including those involving information security, physical security, fraud detection controls, or pending litigation, that would pose a substantial and articulable risk to the project or to state operations if publicly disclosed.

(2) If the Inspector General makes a determination pursuant to paragraph (1), the Inspector General shall do all of the following:

(A) Make publicly available any reasonably segregable portion of the report that does not pose the substantial and articulable risk identified pursuant to paragraph (1).

(B) Publicly disclose that a report, or a portion of the report, has been held confidential and provide the rationale for the determination.

(C) Deliver a confidential report, or a confidential portion of the report, that describes and makes recommendations to resolve the identified weaknesses to state officials with oversight of the project, which may include the executive director and board chair of the High-Speed Rail Authority, the chairs of the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the Senate Committee on Transportation, or the Governor. The report, or portion of the report, delivered pursuant to this subparagraph shall remain confidential only so long as the Inspector General determines that public disclosure would continue to pose the substantial and articulable risk identified pursuant to paragraph (1).

(3) Within 120 days after making a determination pursuant to paragraph (1), and at least every 120 days thereafter while a report, or a portion of a report, is held confidential, the Inspector General shall reassess whether continued confidentiality is warranted. Upon each reassessment, the Inspector General shall either publicly release the report, or the portion of the report, that is held confidential or issue a written determination explaining why continued confidentiality remains necessary.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 7. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026.)


text:
(a) The Inspector General shall report at least annually to the Legislature and the Governor a summary of its findings, positive and negative, of any reviews, investigations, or audits published pursuant to Section 187037 at the beginning of each fiscal year and upon request of the Legislature or Governor. The summary shall be posted on the office’s internet website and otherwise made available to the public upon its release to the Legislature and the Governor. The summary shall include, but not be limited to, significant problems discovered by the office, and whether previous recommendations the office has made have been implemented.

(b) The Inspector General shall report annually to the Legislature and the Governor on findings related to the High-Speed Rail Authority’s planning and delivery of the project. This report shall include updates on the High-Speed Rail Authority’s efforts to remedy any identified findings, and whether any identified findings have been addressed.

(c) The Inspector General shall maintain a list of identified findings, and the status of the High-Speed Rail Authority’s efforts to address them, and shall post that list on the office’s internet website.

(d) Reports to be submitted to the Legislature pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2026, Ch. 82, Sec. 8. (SB 169) Effective July 13, 2026.)


text: The division shall be known and may be cited as the Riverside County Transportation Sales Tax Act.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 270, Sec. 2. Effective July 28, 1987.)

path: 25. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION > 1. General Provisions, Findings, and Definitions


text:
The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:

(a) Recognizing the scarcity of resources available for all transportation development, alternative methods of financing provided in this division are needed to finance the cost of constructing, developing, acquiring, and maintaining and providing highways, streets, roads, and public transportation services in the County of Riverside and these methods will increase economic opportunities, contribute to economic development, be in the public interest and serve a public purpose, and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens within the County of Riverside.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this division, that the County of Riverside continue to receive its equitable share of funds under the state transportation improvement program and that incentives be provided to reward rather than to penalize counties that adopt local sales tax measures.

(c) It is in the public interest to allow the voters of Riverside County to adopt a specific revenue source and to authorize new duties for the Riverside County Transportation Commission so that local decisions can be implemented in a timely manner to provide improvements to the transportation system.

division: 25. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

chapter: 1. General Provisions, Findings, and Definitions


text: “Bonds” means indebtedness and securities of any kind or class, including bonds, notes, bond anticipation notes, and commercial paper.


text: “Commission” means the Riverside County Transportation Commission created pursuant to Section 130054.


text: “County” means the County of Riverside.


text: The commission shall expend only that amount of the funds generated pursuant to this division for staff support, audit, administrative expenses, and contract services that are necessary and reasonable to carry out its responsibilities pursuant to this division. The commission shall not expend more than 1 percent of the funds received from the transactions and use tax levied pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 240300) for the salaries and benefits for the commission’s staff.

chapter: 2. Administration

path: 25. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION > 2. Administration


text:
The commission shall do all of the following with respect to the revenues derived from the transactions and use tax levied pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 240300):

(a) Adopt an annual budget.

(b) Cause a postaudit of the financial transactions and records of the commission and of all revenues expended pursuant to this division to be made at least annually by a certified public accountant.

(c) Do any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of this division.


text:
(a) The commission shall publish, pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code, notice of the time and place of the public hearing for the adoption of the annual budget not later than 15 days prior to the date of the hearing.

(b) The proposed annual budget shall be available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the hearing.


text: The commission may approve a transaction and use tax ordinance and ballot proposition and call an election in accordance with Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 240300).


text: The commission may sue and be sued, except as otherwise provided by law, in all actions and proceedings, in all courts and tribunals of competent jurisdiction.

chapter: 3. Powers and Functions

path: 25. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION > 3. Powers and Functions


text: All claims for money or damages against the commission are governed by Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title 1 of the Government Code except as provided therein, or by other statutes or regulations expressly applicable thereto.


text: The commission may make contracts and enter into stipulations of any nature whatsoever, including, but not limited to, contracts and stipulations to indemnify and hold harmless, to employ labor, and to do all acts necessary and convenient for the full exercise of the powers granted in this division.


text: The commission may contract with any department or agency of the United States of America, with any public agency, including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, any transit development board, county, or city, or with any person upon any terms and conditions that the commission finds is in its best interest.


text: The Legislature, by the enactment of this chapter, intends the additional funds provided government agencies by this chapter to supplement existing local revenues being used for transportation purposes. The government agencies shall maintain their existing commitment of local funds for street, highway, and public transit purposes pursuant to an ordinance adopted by the commission to enforce this section.

chapter: 4. Transactions and Use Tax

path: 25. RIVERSIDE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION > 4. Transactions and Use Tax


text:
The commission may levy a retail transactions and use tax applicable in the incorporated and unincorporated territory of the county in accordance with this chapter and Part 1.6 (commencing with Section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. The ordinance shall only become effective if adopted by a two-thirds vote of the commission and subsequently approved by two-thirds of the electors voting on the measure at a special election called for the purpose by the board of supervisors or at any regular election. The commission shall specify in the ordinance that not more than 1 percent of the annual net amount of revenues raised by the tax may be used to fund the salaries and benefits of the staff of the commission in administering the programs funded from that tax. The ordinance shall take effect at the close of the polls on the day of election at which the proposition is adopted. The initial collection of the transactions and use tax shall take place in accordance with Section 240304.

If the voters do not approve the ordinance, the board of supervisors may, at any time thereafter, submit the same, or a different, measure, if adopted by a two-thirds vote of the commission, to the voters in accordance with this division.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 343, Sec. 28.10. Effective January 1, 2008.)


text:
(a) The commission, in the ordinance, shall state the nature of the tax to be imposed, the tax rate or the maximum tax rate, the purposes for which the revenue derived from the tax will be used, and shall set a term during which the tax will be imposed.

(b) The purposes for which the tax revenues may be used may include, but are not limited to, the administration of this division, including legal actions related thereto, the construction, capital acquisition, maintenance, and operation of streets, roads, highways, including state highways, and public transit systems. These purposes include expenditures for the planning, environmental reviews, engineering and design costs, and related right-of-way acquisition.

(c) The ordinance shall contain an expenditure plan which shall include the allocation of revenues for the purposes authorized by this section and shall include, at a minimum, the following provisions:

(1) The proportional distribution of the revenues among various purposes.

(2) The specific projects to be funded under the state highway and freeway portion.

(3) The formula for distribution of the city and county portion, which may be amended by voter approval.

(d) Following adoption of the ordinance by the voters, the expenditure plan may only be amended, if required, by the following process:

(1) Initiation of amendment by the commission, reciting findings of necessity.

(2) Approval by the board of supervisors.

(3) Approval by a majority of the cities constituting a majority of the incorporated population.


text:
(a) The county shall conduct an election called by the board of supervisors pursuant to Section 240301.

(b) The election shall be called and conducted in the same manner as provided by law for the conduct of elections by a county.