California science and health research bond to appear on March 2028 ballot

A proposed $7.5 billion bond for health and science research is set to appear on the March 2028 California primary election ballot. The measure, originating from Senate Bill 895 authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, would establish the California Foundation for Science and Health Research under the California Government Operations Agency.

The foundation would manage the distribution of grants, loans, and contracts to organizations and universities. Targeted research areas include biomedical studies for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, heart disease, stroke, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the funds could support research into public health, wildfire prevention, climate change, seismic hazards, and the safety of medical devices and food.

Supporters suggest this measure serves as a more effective alternative to Proposition 38, which is scheduled for the November 2026 ballot and authorizes $8.4 billion for immunology and immunotherapy research. Critics of Proposition 38 have expressed concerns regarding the cumulative debt service required to fund multiple large-scale bond measures.