Transportation budget trailer bill.
What changed between versions
The High Road Construction Careers Program funding source changed from $50 million in federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to $30 million in state transportation funds, still allocated over four years.
The SR-710 Rehabilitation Account cap increased from $1.2 million to $15 million, allowing more continuously appropriated funds for repairs to surplus residential properties in Pasadena-area cities.
The $15 expedited service fee at the DMV Sacramento headquarters was repealed.
The suspension of transit fare-revenue-to-cost ratio penalties was extended one additional fiscal year, now running through 2026-27 instead of 2025-26, with the inoperative date moving from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2028.
The exemption from State Transit Assistance Program efficiency standards was extended through the 2026-27 fiscal year instead of ending at 2025-26.
New provisions require the High-Speed Rail Inspector General to publish completed audit and review reports on its website, notify the Governor and HSR Authority, and submit copies to the Legislature. A confidentiality mechanism allows withholding reports that reveal security or litigation weaknesses, with mandatory reassessment every 120 days.
A new automated enforcement program is authorized for the 2028 Olympic Games route network, including civil penalties (not points or suspensions), a public information campaign before implementation, warning letters before violations, written notices within 15 days, and hearing options (written declaration, video conference, or in person). A new continuously appropriated Games Route Network Account is created.
New record-keeping rules for the HSR Inspector General: minimum 3-year retention of audit support documents, public records status for office records with specific exceptions (incomplete audits, personal papers, employee surveys, investigation files), and a prohibition on releasing certain records to the public.
Electronic notification conditions were simplified: the DMV no longer needs to have identified the person before accepting consent; it now only needs the person to have been identified, to have provided an email address, and to have been informed that no separate paper copy will be sent.
The DMV is now authorized to participate in the AAMVA State-to-State Verification Service for REAL ID purposes, with annual reporting to the Legislature, a monitoring plan due by July 1, 2027, and Attorney General enforcement authority. A new exception allows SSN disclosure solely for this verification purpose.
A new Vehicle Code section defines 'certificate of title' or 'certificate of ownership' to include electronic form, enabling the DMV to adopt regulations for electronic titles.
The digital driver's license pilot program participation limit increased from 15% to 60% of licensed drivers.
The DMV's driver's law synopsis publication requirement changed from physical copies to internet website publication, eliminating prior requirements for Spanish-language physical copies and free distribution to field offices and law enforcement.