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SBIR and STTR Reauthorizations Signed Into Law; California Adopts Senate Resolution 88; Biocom Position on Indirect Source Rule Approved; Potential Transit Funding Measure in the Bay Area; LA County Life Science Growth Strategy; and more.
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SBIR and STTR Reauthorizations Signed Into Law
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed into law S. 3971, the “Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act,” reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through Fiscal Year 2031, along with related pilot initiatives. Following months of uncertainty around the future of these programs, this legislation provides long-term stability and support for small, innovation-driven companies, strengthening the pipeline for early-stage research and development across the life sciences ecosystem. Ensuring reauthorization of SBIR and STTR has been a top priority for Biocom, and we commend both Congress and the Administration for coming together in a bipartisan manner to advance these critical programs.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► White House Announces 100% Pharmaceutical Tariffs
- 100% tariffs on imported patented pharmaceuticals and their active pharmaceutical ingredients will go into effect in a few months, with reduced levies and exemptions for certain countries and products, respectively. These tariffs are a result of the Commerce Department’s Section 232 investigation on pharmaceuticals which Biocom submitted comments on last year.
- Biocom issued a statement opposing these tariffs because they will disrupt critical supply chains, increase costs for patients and slow the pace of innovation across the life science industry.
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State ► California State Senate Honors 50 Years of Biotechnology
- On April 9, 2026, the California State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 88, presented by Senator Catherine Blakespear, celebrating two landmark milestones: 50 years of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation. California is the birthplace of modern biotech, and today, life science is the state’s second largest industry, supporting more than one million jobs and hundreds of billions in economic activity.
- Biocom CEO Tim Scott, the California Biotechnology Foundation’s Patricia Cooper and PhRMA’s Flo Kahn accepted this honor on the Senate Floor on behalf of the Foundation.
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San Diego ► APCD Delays Decision on Indirect Source Rule
- At its April 9 board meeting, the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District voted to continue discussion and defer action to a future meeting on staff’s recommendation not to move forward with an indirect source rule (ISR). The proposed rule would require warehouse deliveries to transition to all-electric vehicles.
- Biocom’s Melanie Cohn spoke in support of staff’s recommendation at the meeting, underscoring the importance of regulatory predictability. She highlighted the life science industry’s ongoing investments in emissions reduction and clean technologies and noted that declining to advance an ISR sends a signal that San Diego is committed to fostering innovation alongside balanced, effective environmental stewardship.
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Bay Area ► SamTrans Seeks Input on Potential Transit Funding Measure
- SamTrans is seeking public input on how to spend a potential $50 million from a proposed regional ballot measure that would introduce a 14-year half-cent sales tax to help address major transit deficits, including those faced by Caltrain and BART. While the funding could support both operational shortfalls and new projects, local leaders are divided over how the money should be used.
- Access to reliable public transportation remains a priority for Biocom, and we will be focused on this topic at our May 19th Bay Area Policy Committee.
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Greater Los Angeles ► LA County Reports Progress on Life Science Growth Strategy
- A new report to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors outlines progress since Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s 2025 motion, “Implementing Strategies and Action Plan for Equitable Development and Growth of Life Sciences in Los Angeles County,” an effort supported by Biocom. We continue to serve on multiple county bodies to support the motion’s execution.
- The update highlights actions to strengthen the region’s life science sector, including workforce development, infrastructure planning, and cross-sector collaboration. It also notes ongoing challenges such as costs and regulatory complexity and emphasizes the need for sustained, coordinated efforts to support equitable growth and long-term competitiveness.
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Left: Senator Catherine Blakespear presents Senate Resolution 88 to California Biotechnology Foundation;
Right: Jimmy Jackson, Michelle Nemits, Claire Conlon, Biocom; Natalie Cardenas, UCB; Patricia Cooper, California Biotechnology Foundation; Tim Scott, CEO, Biocom; Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-38); Flo Kahn, PhRMA; Crystal Clark, J&J; Tiffany Ryan, Dexcom; Kelli L’Heureux, Neurocrine; and Gilbert Lara, Biocom.
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Federal:
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State:
- The Governor has signed an executive order directing state agencies to develop AI contract standards, and update the State Digital Strategy to incorporate AI in delivering government services. Biocom’s AI/ML Working Group will work with the administration to ensure their regulations align with the life science industry’s AI usage and development.
- Biocom’s Corporate Sustainability Working Group has submitted public comment to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), advocating for reporting requirements of Greenhouse Gas emissions to be aligned with internationally recognized frameworks, and phased implementation that gives life sciences companies workable timelines and methodological flexibility to address the unique complexity of pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.
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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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