BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 16 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 4, 2011 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 16 (Perea) - As Introduced: December 6, 2010 Policy Committee: TransportationVote:12-1 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill requires the California High-Speed Rail Authority to make every effort to purchase high-speed train rolling stock and related equipment manufactured in California, consistent with federal law and any other applicable provision of state law. FISCAL EFFECT Potential minor administrative costs to the extent the authority conducts enhanced outreach to California suppliers prior to contracting for equipment purchases. The bill, however, does not exempt the authority from following any provisions of applicable state or federal law with respect to awarding purchase contracts. COMMENTS 1)Purpose . The High-Speed Rail Bond Act, approved by the voters in November 2008, provides $9.95 billion in general obligation bond authority to fund the planning and construction of a high-speed passenger train system and complementary improvements to other specified rail systems in the state. With the passage of the Bond Act plus California's award and pending receipt of $2.25 billion in federal ARRA high-speed rail funds, the authority will soon be tasked to approve major purchases of train rolling stock and equipment. By requiring the authority to make every effort to purchase train equipment and rolling stock manufactured in California, this bill, sponsored by the California Labor Federation, is intended to AB 16 Page 2 spur companies to relocate to this state. 2)Related Legislation . AB 492 (Galgiani), also on today's committee agenda, authorizes the authority, when awarding major contracts or purchasing high-speed trains and related equipment, to consider, to the extent permitted by federal law and all other applicable provisions of state law, the creation of jobs in California. 3)Prior Legislation . In 2010, AB 1830 (Galgiani), which was an identical to this bill, was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger, who stated, "While I support job creation in the state, this bill could result in unnecessary additional costs and delays in the constructing of high-speed rail in California and for this reason I am unable to sign it." Analysis Prepared by : Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081