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SBIR/STTR Reauthorization with President; Biocom Hosts Roundtables with Public Officials; SF Looking Into Tax Cuts; Pasadena’s New R&D Facilities Plans; and more.
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We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available. We’re sharing an important update below to ensure you have the latest information.
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SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Passes House & Moves to President
Yesterday, the House passed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs for five years through September 30, 2031, following unanimous Senate approval earlier this month. The bill strengthens oversight, prioritizes small business participation, and includes new safeguards to address foreign influence in federally funded research. As critical sources of early-stage capital, these programs play a key role in helping life science companies advance innovations and attract private investment. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk, where he has 10 days to sign or veto the bill; if no action is taken while Congress remains in session, it will automatically become law.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► Biocom Hosts Roundtable with Congressman Mike Levin
- On March 10, Biocom hosted a San Diego executive roundtable with Representative Mike Levin (CA-49) to discuss federal policies impacting the region’s life science ecosystem, including biomedical research funding and innovation policy.
- Biocom member companies shared perspectives on how these policies affect research, development and patient access, ensuring policymakers hear directly from the life science community.
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State ► Biocom Hosts Roundtable with Assemblymember Matt Haney
- On March 13, San Francisco members met with Asm. Haney for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing California’s largest innovation hub. Participants shared perspectives on funding, permits, AI, mergers and acquisitions, and how state-level policy decisions can better support science entrepreneurs advancing new therapies and technologies.
- Thank you to Assemblymember Haney for your partnership in supporting science and entrepreneurship, and MBC BioLabs for hosting us.
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San Diego ► Police Chief Roundtable Highlights Safety & Preparedness
- Last week, we hosted a roundtable with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl and Biocom members from the San Diego life science community. The discussion brought together a broad cross-section of our ecosystem to talk about an issue that matters to every organization: safety and preparedness.
- With recent data showing an overall decrease in crime for the fourth consecutive year in a row, conversations like this help to strengthen relationships between the community and police which in turn increases the safety of our city.
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Bay Area ► San Francisco Leaders Look to Cut Transfer Taxes in Half
- Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Bilal Mahmood introuduced legislation to lower the transfer tax rate for real estate deals of $10 million or more. The mayor’s office believes this legislation will help spur housing and downtown building projects.
- Biocom staff recently attended a presentation on the legislation and is keeping our members informed as it progresses.
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Greater Los Angeles ► Pasadena City Council Approves Plans for New R&D Facilities
- The Pasadena City Council unanimously approved the design for a new 93,539-square-foot Caltech research facility. The developer agreed to voluntary height and parking reductions to address community feedback as the project moves to final design review.
- Biocom’s Executive Director of Los Angeles, Dan Gober, testified in support, emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening the regional life science ecosystem.
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Federal:
- Last month, the Supreme Court overturned the Trump Administration’s tariffs, which included the global reciprocal tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Tariffs imposed as a result of the Administration’s 232 investigations are expected to be announced soon and will not be affected by the ruling.
- Biocom submitted comments urging CMS to rescind its proposed most-favored nation (MFN) pricing models, GLOBE and GUARD, which target certain drugs covered under Medicare Parts B and D, respectively.
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State:
- On February 28, Governor Gavin Newsom officially recognized Rare Disease Day, putting an emphasis on the importance of awareness, diagnoses and research. Biocom is proud to continue to advocate for rare disease research.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events
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Biocom Policy & Advocacy
Biocom is the leading advocate for California’s life science sector. Our Policy & Advocacy staff across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. work with lawmakers and regulators to shape policy and strengthen government relations through coordinated regional, state and federal engagement, supporting industry growth and keeping California globally competitive.
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