California Places $7.5 Billion Science and Health Research Bond on March 2028 Ballot

Pleasanton, California — California voters will decide in March 2028 whether to approve a $7.5 billion science and health research bond under legislation signed this week by Governor Gavin Newsom. The enactment of Senate Bill 895, authored by state Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, puts the multi-billion-dollar research measure before voters to support scientists and university research across the state.

The measure creates the California Foundation for Science and Health Research to distribute funding through grants, loans, and contracts following scientific peer review. Alongside research targeting biomedical science, public health, disease prevention, behavioral health, agriculture, water, and wildfire prevention, the statutory package earmarks $1 billion specifically for infrastructure projects across the University of California and California State University systems.

"With this investment, California is imagining a better future for millions of families," Senator Scott Wiener said following the signing. "Scientific advancements are curing and preventing diseases, improving the lives of people living with chronic conditions, protecting our communities from wildfires, lowering the cost of food, and powering our economy."

Governor Newsom signed the legislation atop the Golden Gate Bridge, marking the final bill signing of the 2025-2026 regular legislative session. The measure was the final of 1,160 bills acted on during this legislative session and 7,803 total bills acted upon by the Newsom administration since 2019.

In Alameda County, Pleasanton is situated in the Tri-Valley area approximately 40 miles east of San Francisco, serving as a key regional business hub with major corporate business parks, healthcare networks, and software headquarters.

Sources: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/30/at-the-top-of-the-golden-gate-bridge-governor-newsom-signs-his-final-bill-investing-in-californias-next-generation-of-innovation/