CA SB878

Creates an independent Office of the Transportation Inspector General to oversee state, regional, and local agencies spending state transportation funds and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.

Governor appoints the Transportation Inspector General for a 6-year term subject to Senate confirmation; removal during term only permitted for good cause.

Inspector General duties include identifying best practices, analyzing public concerns about transportation infrastructure, conducting audits and investigations of state-funded projects, and recommending efficiency policies.

Inspector General cannot conduct audits or investigations that duplicate concurrent work by other entities or that are planned within 18 months by state, regional, or local agencies.

Office funded primarily through federal transportation funds, with supplemental funding from the Highway Users Tax Account and high-speed rail accounts; annual report required to Governor and Legislature.