Transportation projects: high-speed rail.

Existing law, the California High-Speed Rail Act, creates the High-Speed Rail Authority to develop and implement a high-speed train system in the state, with specified powers and duties. Existing law gives the authority the power to, among other things, enter into contracts with private or public entities for the design, construction, and operation of high-speed trains. Existing law, the Safe, Reliable, High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act for the 21st Century, approved by the voters as Proposition 1A at the November 4, 2008, general election, provides for the issuance of $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds for high-speed rail and related purposes. This bill would require any entity applying for a contract with the authority for goods or services related to the high-speed train network, as specified, to affirmatively certify whether it had any direct involvement in the deportation of any individuals to extermination camps, work camps, concentration camps, prisoner of war camps, or any similar camps between specified dates during World War II. The bill would also require the authority to acknowledge and note the importance of complying with this certification, as provided.