High-speed rail.

Existing law creates the High-Speed Rail Authority with specified powers and duties relative to the development and implementation of a high-speed train system. Existing law, pursuant to 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 for high-speed train capital projects and other associated purposes. Existing law appropriates certain amounts of federal funds and state bond funds to the authority for purposes of funding the construction of the initial segment of the high-speed rail project. This bill, notwithstanding any other law, would prohibit federal or state funds, including state bond funds, from being expended by the authority or any other state agency on the construction of the high-speed rail project, except as necessary to meet contractual commitments entered into before January 1, 2014. The bill would also make a statement of legislative intent.