High-speed rail: third-party permits and approvals: regulations.

Senator Wiener's High-Speed Rail Delivery Reform Act establishes new regulations governing third-party permits and approvals for California's high-speed rail project, addressing delays and cost escalations associated with utility relocations and permitting processes.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority must develop and adopt regulations by January 1, 2026, that mandate early engagement with local agencies and utilities, establish cooperative agreements defining roles and costs for utility relocations, and create standardized processes for permits and approvals. The regulations require regular stakeholder meetings during planning and construction phases, detailed cost estimates for utility relocations, and a binding dispute resolution process, though regulated gas and electrical corporations are exempt from this process. Third parties cannot demand unrelated improvements as conditions for permits unless specified in cooperative agreements.

Before implementing these regulations, the Authority must consult with transportation agencies, utilities, local governments, and other stakeholders, and hold at least two public hearings. The Office of the Inspector General must verify the Authority has established adequate processes for reviewing third-party agreements. The regulations remain in effect until the Inspector General certifies the high-speed rail project's completion to the Legislature.