SB 455 Summary

• Amends the Public Utilities Code to require that the five members of the High-Speed Rail Authority appointed by the Governor must receive Senate confirmation, changing the previous process of gubernatorial appointment without legislative approval

• Maintains the nine-member composition of the High-Speed Rail Authority: five Governor-appointed members (subject to Senate consent), two appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and two appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly

• Requires the Governor, Senate Committee on Rules, and Speaker of the Assembly to consider geographical diversity when making appointments to ensure all state regions are adequately represented

• Establishes four-year terms for all authority members with a staggered schedule, with vacancies filled by the original appointing power for the remainder of the term

• Specifies that five members constitute a quorum for authority action and that members are subject to the Political Reform Act of 1974