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Panel advances bill to bolster High-Speed Rail inspector general amid transparency debate
Summary
The Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced AB 1608 to give the High-Speed Rail inspector general hiring and purchasing authority and public-reporting rules. Supporters said it strengthens oversight; a committee member pressed whether the bill could permit temporarily withholding fiscal information.
Assemblymember Wilson urged the Appropriations Committee on April 22 to approve AB 1608, saying the bill would strengthen the Office of the Inspector General for the California High-Speed Rail by granting it position classifications and contracting authority to hire specialized staff and obtain services more quickly.
"This bill strengthens the inspector general's office by giving it position, classifications, and contract authority it needs to hire staff with the appropriate qualifications and acquire specialized services in a timely manner," Wilson said, arguing those authorities would improve oversight while increasing transparency.
Ben Belknap, identified himself as "Ben Belknap,…
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