Senator Cortese’s SB 1425 Heads to Governor, Would Clear Path for Faster High-Speed Rail Construction

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese’s Senate Bill 1425 (SB 1425) has cleared the California Legislature and now advances to the Governor’s desk, where it awaits his signature. SB 1425 would give the California High-Speed Rail Authority clear authority to manage and permit encroachments along the project’s rights-of-way.

“High-speed rail is a generational investment, and California has a responsibility to protect that investment by making it easier, not harder, for communities and infrastructure partners to work alongside the project,” said Senator Cortese. “SB 1425 is about cutting red tape, establishing clear rules where they are needed, and keeping High-Speed Rail moving forward. I urge the Governor to sign SB 1425 into law.”

Current law allows the Authority to manage its property but does not provide a standardized process for new encroachments, creating uncertainty for communities, businesses, utilities, and developers.

"With the California High-Speed Rail Authority now executing a co-development agreement with a private consortium to accelerate the project, eliminating unnecessary barriers to completion is critical. SB 1425 provides a vital mechanism to streamline the project," said Robert Pearsall, California Political Director for U.S. High Speed Rail. "By authorizing the Authority to issue encroachment permits, the bill provides third-party access to its right-of-way, accommodates essential utility expansions to serve the public, and unlocks regional development opportunities for local businesses."

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

Contact:

Mario B. Lopez, Communications Director

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-545-8205 | Email: Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov

For Scheduling Media Requests: 

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15 

Email: Natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov

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