High-speed rail: inspector general.

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, 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 create anindependent inspector general to oversee the activities of the authority, and conduct investigations and audits in that regard. The inspector general would be appointed for a 6-year term by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The bill would require the inspector general to report quarterly to the authority and annually to the Governor and the Legislature.