BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Appropriations Committee Fiscal Summary
Senator Christine Kehoe, Chair
619 (Blumenfield)
Hearing Date: 08/02/2010 Amended: 07/15/2010
Consultant: Mark McKenzie Policy Vote: T&H
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BILL SUMMARY: AB 619 would require any entity that wishes to
contract with the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) to disclose
any direct involvement in the deportation of individuals to
extermination camps, work camps, concentration camps, or
prisoner of war camps from 1942 through 1944. HSRA would be
required to note the importance of compliance with these
requirements in its procurement solicitation documents, and
acknowledge disclosed information when awarding contracts.
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Fiscal Impact (in thousands)
Major Provisions 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Fund
HSRA administration Unknown costs, potentially over $50
Bond*
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*High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Fund
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STAFF COMMENTS:
This bill is intended to create a public record of the
involvement of entities contracting with the HSRA in the
deportation of persons to specified camps during World War II.
Prior to submitting a formal bid, AB 619 would require a
prospective bidder that wishes to contract with the HSRA to
certify whether it had any direct involvement in the deportation
of individuals to extermination camps, work camps, concentration
camps, prisoner of war camps, or other similar camps from
January 1, 1942 through December 31, 1944. An entity that
acknowledges direct involvement would certify whether it has
records related to those deportations, whether it has taken any
remedial actions, and whether restitution has been provided to
all victims. The entity may also provide any mitigating
information related to its involvement.
This bill would require the HSRA to note the importance of
complying with the disclosure requirements in its procurement
solicitation documents, and acknowledge the disclosed
information when awarding contracts. Disclosure requirements
and notices of importance with compliance would need to be
included in all bid solicitations. HSRA would have one-time
staff costs to establish procedures and guidelines for bidders
to follow for the disclosure and certification of information.
HSRA would also be required to review any documentation provided
by contractors and subcontractors, acknowledge receipt of any
disclosed information in contract award announcements, and
update internal recordkeeping procedures and provide public
access to disclosed information. HSRA indicates that workload
created by the bill's requirements would be significant, but
specific costs are unknown. Staff estimates these costs could
exceed $50,000
Staff notes that Japanese and European firms with significant
experience in designing, constructing, and operating high-speed
train systems are likely to participate in this high-speed rail
project, and will be affected by the bill's disclosure
requirements.