High-Speed Rail Authority.

Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority in state government with specified powers and duties relative to development and implementation of a high-speed train system. The authority is composed of 9 members, including 5 members appointed by the Governor. Existing law creates the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which consists of various state agencies, including the Department of Transportation. This bill would place the High-Speed Rail Authority within the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. The bill would provide for the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing to serve on the authority as a nonvoting, ex officio member. The bill would require the secretary to propose an annual budget for the authority upon consultation with the authority. The bill would require the members of the authority appointed by the Governor to be appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill would provide for the members that are appointed to have specified background or experience, as specified. Existing law provides that the terms of authority members expire every 4 years on December 31. This bill would vacate the membership of the authority and provide for the appointment or reappointment of members as of January 1, 2012, for staggered terms, as specified. This bill would thereafter provide that the terms expire every 4 years on December 31. Existing law provides for the authority to appoint an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the authority and who is exempt from civil service. This bill would provide that the executive director is subject to appointment with the advice and consent of the Senate. The bill would provide that an employment agreement for the executive director shall be agreed to but not executed until Senate confirmation. This bill would enact various conflict-of-interest provisions applicable to members of the authority and its staff, as specified, and would prohibit a person from serving on the authority in certain circumstances. This bill would enact other related provisions.