California science bond measure awaits Governor Newsom’s signature

The California Legislature has approved Senate Bill 895, a measure that would place a $7.5 billion scientific research bond on the March 2028 ballot. The legislation, authored by State Sen. Scott Wiener, now awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom.

The proposed California Foundation for Science and Health Research aims to provide a state-level funding mechanism to offset potential federal research cuts from the Trump administration. The University of California has indicated that at least $1 billion in federal research dollars is currently at risk.

If passed, the bond funds would support research into diseases such as cancer, ALS, and Parkinson’s, as well as initiatives for wildfire prevention, climate change, and water supply. The plan includes $1 billion for the University of California and California State University to develop scientific facilities. The measure has gained support from the University of California, the Union of American Physicians, and United Auto Workers Local 4811.