Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority to develop and implement a high-speed rail system in the state. Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General and authorizes the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General to initiate an audit or review regarding oversight related to delivery of the high-speed rail project undertaken by the authority and the selection and oversight of contractors related to that project. Existing law imposes other duties and responsibilities on the Inspector General relating to the oversight of the authority, including the duty and responsibility to review the authority’s contracts and contracting practices to determine whether they are, among other things, executed consistent with state and federal laws and policies.

This bill would also impose on the Inspector General the duty and responsibility to review financial disclosures and identify conflicts of interest for officials who make, or participate in making, decisions to execute contracts, or contract changes, for the authority.

This bill would require the Inspector General to complete an audit in a timely manner and pursuant to the “Government Auditing Standards” published by the Comptroller General of the United States. Immediately upon completion of an audit or review, the bill would require the Inspector General to make a report of the audit or review available to the public.