Newsom signs bill placing $7.5B science bond on 2028 ballot
California voters will decide in March 2028 whether to approve a $7.5 billion bond measure to fund state scientific research. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 895 on September 30, 2026, placing the proposal on the ballot. The measure aims to counter federal research cuts and support institutions like the University of California and California State University. If approved, the funds would support medical research for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and ALS, as well as efforts to mitigate wildfire risks, pandemics, and climate change. The bill was authored by Senator Scott Wiener and sponsored by a coalition including the Union of American Physicians and the United Auto Workers Region 6.
Key points
- Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 895 on September 30, 2026, authorizing a $7.5 billion bond measure for the March 2028 ballot.
- The proposed fund is designed to act as a state-level counterpart to the National Institutes of Health, countering federal research reductions.
- Research priorities include cancer, Parkinson’s, ALS, wildfire risk reduction, pandemic preparedness, and climate change mitigation.
- The measure was authored by Sen. Scott Wiener and supported by the University of California, the Union of American Physicians, and the United Auto Workers Region 6.
- The final $7.5 billion figure represents a compromise, reduced from an initial $23 billion proposal and a subsequent $12 billion version that failed to pass in time for the November ballot.
Background
This development follows a period of legislative tension regarding state funding and liability issues. In September 2026, Newsom signed laws to toughen DUI penalties, while earlier in the month, lawmakers rejected a wildfire liability package. The new science bond reflects a broader strategy to secure state-level funding for critical infrastructure and research amidst federal policy shifts. It also follows earlier discussions in August 2026 regarding the potential inclusion of such a measure on the ballot, indicating a sustained effort to secure long-term research funding independent of federal fluctuations.
Why it matters
The measure seeks to insulate California’s scientific and medical research capabilities from federal policy changes, ensuring continued innovation in critical areas like healthcare and climate resilience. By leveraging state bonds, California aims to maintain its global leadership in technology and science, potentially offsetting federal cuts and supporting the state’s economic engine.
What to watch
The bond measure will appear on the ballot in March 2028. If approved, the state will issue $7.5 billion in bonds to fund the new research arm. The legislation also includes provisions for the fund to establish regulations allowing it to recoup part of its investments without hindering innovation. Voters will ultimately decide whether to authorize this significant financial commitment to state-led scientific advancement.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Los Angeles Times