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Our 2025 Public Policy Recap Report; BIOSECURE Act Passes in Congress; California’s Budget Outlook; Joe LaCava Reelected as SD Council President; Proposed Ordinance for SF Lab Use; Our 2025 Advocacy Work in LA; and more.
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Just Released: Our 2025 Public Policy Recap Report
Every year, our Policy & Advocacy team releases the Public Policy Recap Report highlighting the advocacy efforts that impacted members at the federal, state and local levels. Learn how we engaged in policy shifts coming out of D.C., monitored and improved state regulations, and advocated for better life science legislation in San Diego, Greater Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► BIOSECURE Act Passes in Congress
- The House and the Senate passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a rare display of bipartisanship, sending this must-pass legislation to the President for his signature. The package includes the BIOSECURE Act, which bars U.S. companies from federal contracts, grants and loans if they work with designated Chinese biotech companies of concern. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must publish the list within one year, starting with firms already labeled “Chinese military companies,” with an appeal process included.
- For life science companies, this could significantly reshape global supply chain strategy and contracting decisions, particularly for companies that rely on Chinese-based manufacturing or research service providers.
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State ► California’s 2026 Budget Outlook
- California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) projects a nearly $18 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year and warns the gap could widen to roughly $35 billion annually by fiscal year 2027 to 2028 if spending continues to outpace revenues.
- Ongoing deficit pressure increases risk of budget cuts. Biocom California’s Capitol Office is monitoring state revenues and advocating for the state to support innovation, jobs and competitiveness for the life science industry.
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San Diego ► San Diego Council Reelects Joe LaCava as President
- The San Diego City Council unanimously reelected Joe LaCava as Council President for another year. The council praised his “even-handedness” and collaborative approach during what has been a challenging year. LaCava was first elected to the role in 2024, moving up from pro Tem.
- His district includes areas with strong life science presence. Biocom California looks forward to continuing to work with him on matters that impact the life science industry.
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Bay Area ► Proposed Ordinance on Conditional Use Authorization for Labs
- On December 15, San Francisco Land Use and Transportation Committee heard a proposed ordinance regarding conditional use authorization for laboratory uses in the PDR-1-G District. It states that for the next 18 months, lab use in the PDR-1-G District would require a conditional use permit.
- Biocom California is working with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce to educate the Board of Supervisors on the negative impact this would have on our members and the industry as a whole.
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- Los Angeles achieved several major milestones this past year through our regional government affairs efforts. The Board of Supervisors approved and released the first-ever LA County Life Sciences Industry Cluster Strategy and Action Plan, an accomplishment significantly shaped by Biocom California’s engagement. A key win was secured in Pasadena by successfully advocating for a portion of Caltrans-relinquished land to be dedicated to life sciences development. Further progress included guiding the LA Mayor’s Office on downtown zoning reforms and supporting permit-streamlining efforts within the City Planning Department and the Department of Water and Power.
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Federal:
- The House passed the Give Kids a Chance Act, reauthorizing the FDA’s Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program (RPD PRV) through FY 2029. Urge your Senators to vote “yes” on the bill using our action alert.
- On December 12, The Bayh-Dole Act celebrated 45 years. This landmark law enables universities and small businesses to commercialize federally funded research, leading to new medicines, startups and major scientific advances.
- Biocom California submitted comments to the USPTO in response to their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Revision to Rules of Practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, emphasizing Biocom’s broadly supportive position with a request for clarification around implementation.
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State:
- California is bringing on former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez and recent CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry to launch the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX). With PHNIX, California is taking action to build coalitions across the nation that will work to lead in innovation, collaboration and communication in public health.
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Receive more policy news specific to your region by subscribing to our weekly Bay Area, San Diego or Greater Los Angeles newsletters.
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Biocom California Advocacy
Biocom California is the largest, most experienced leader and advocate for California’s life science sector. Our public policy staff is strategically located in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. We work with federal, state and local governments to collectively pursue outcomes that benefit regional life science growth and contribute to a more innovation-friendly state.
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