SACRAMENTO (AP) - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to make an exception to his pledge that he would veto or avoid signing bills before lawmakers reach agreement on a state budget.

His spokesman said Tuesday that the Republican governor will sign a measure designed to strengthen the wording of a $9.9 billion high-speed rail bond that already is on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The legislation would add some oversight requirements before the bond money could be spent on the first leg of the 700-mile rail system. When completed, the $40 million project would link California's largest cities with trains running at top speeds of more than 200 mph.

Supporters want to get the additional language included in a supplemental ballot pamphlet that will be sent to voters.

Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear says the governor will sign the bill Tuesday or Wednesday.