(a) (1) There is hereby created the High-Speed Rail Authority Office of the Inspector General.

(2) The Governor shall appoint the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General to a four-year term from a list of three qualified individuals nominated by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee shall select the three qualified individuals from a pool of candidates after conducting a comprehensive search for qualified individuals. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee shall provide at least 120 days’ notice that it is seeking applicants for nomination by providing notice in the Journals of the Senate and the Assembly and by advertising in appropriate newspapers and with nationally acknowledged professional journals and associations. Names for consideration by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee may be submitted by members of the Legislature, professional organizations, individuals, and other entities. The Inspector General shall be chosen without reference to party affiliation and solely on the ground of fitness to perform the duties of the High-Speed Rail Authority Inspector General.

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(3) The Legislature and the Governor may provide suggested qualifications to the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to consider when making its nominations.

(b) The Office of the Inspector General shall not be a subdivision of any other governmental entity.

(c) The Inspector General may not be removed from office by the Governor during that term, except for good cause.

(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 71, Sec. 10. (SB 198) Effective June 30, 2022.)