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.

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.

Advocating for Our Members

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In Other News

Federal:

Biocom submitted comments responding to the FDA’s draft guidance: Cuffless Non-invasive Blood Pressure Measuring Devices – Clinical Performance Testing and Evaluation.

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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Bay Area, San Diego or Greater Los Angeles newsletters.

Policy & Advocacy Events

Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events

Please contact us if you are interested in joining a Biocom committee and meet the committee requirements.

Apr 16 | San Diego EH&S Committee Meeting | Virtual
Apr 16 | Non-Dilutive Funding for Life Science: G2G’s Monthly GBG Reporting Service Webinar | Virtual
Apr 16 | Members Only Monthly Deep Dive: Funding Insights & Consultation Webinar | Virtual
Apr 22 | Regulatory Affairs Committee Meeting | Virtual
Apr 24 | Bay Area Facilities & EH&S Committee Meeting | Virtual
Apr 24 | State Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting
May 13 | Regulatory Affairs Committee Meeting with FDA CDER Presentation on Drug Surveillance Inspections | Virtual
May 19 | Bay Area Regional Policy Committee Meeting | Virtual
Jun 10 | Annual Biocom California PAC Legislative Staff Appreciation Reception | San Diego

Meet the Team

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.

Biocom CEO Discusses SBIR/STTR Reauthorization; FY26 Spending Package Enacted; Biocom Joins Group Opposing AB 1776; Roundtable with SD Police Chief; New PermitSF Portal; LA’s State of the City Address; and more.

Biocom CEO on the Critical Need for SBIR/STTR Reauthorization

Biocom President & CEO, Tim Scott, recently joined Duane Schulthess on the Vital Health Podcast where he discussed how SBIR and STTR program bridges are critical to derisking products prior to venture funding and why Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing threatens investment and development, among other relevant topics. He emphasized that reauthorizing SBIR/STTR is critical to sustaining U.S. biomedical leadership and ensuring patients access to innovative therapies. While we appreciate the Administration’s goal to make medicines more affordable for American patients, Biocom strongly opposes MFN price controls as these concepts would ultimately deny Americans timely access to the most innovative therapies and hamper U.S. biomedical innovation. Take action today by sending a letter to your Senator through our Action Center.

Advocating for Our Members

Federal ► FY26 Spending Package Enacted

Earlier this month, President Trump signed a ~$1.2 trillion package ending the partial shutdown and completing 11 of 12 FY26 appropriations bills. The Labor-HHS-Education bill delivers a level of stability for the life sciences, including $48.7B for NIH, increased rare disease research funding, protections for NIH indirect costs and an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027.
The package includes the Give Kids a Chance Act, reauthorizing the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program for five years, a major win for pediatric drug development. Biocom members sent more than 200 advocacy letters in support of this critical program.
While Biocom is pleased with the funding that has been secured, SBIR/STTR programs remain lapsed, and we will continue engaging with lawmakers to urge timely reauthorization.

State ► Business Groups Oppose Undermining of California’s Antitrust Law in AB 1776

Biocom has joined a broad coalition representing nearly every sector of California economy in opposition to AB 1776 – an extreme proposal recommended by the CA Law Review Commission (CLRC) to amend the state’s antitrust law and create a new Single Firm Conduct policy to bypass case law and federal antitrust standards. These changes would impact nearly every business across the state, regardless of size, and the increased threat of litigation may cause investors to hesitate before funding California companies.
Biocom has been on the record at the CLRC hearings educating about the life science ecosystem and the potential far-reaching and adverse impacts on the industry and, in turn, on patient access to innovative therapies. This issue will be of major focus this legislative session.

San Diego ► RSVP for Our Roundtable with SD Policy Chief Scott Wahl

Join us for a Life Science Roundtable with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl to discuss today’s security environment and practical approaches to protecting life science facilities and teams. This conversation will offer firsthand insight into how law enforcement and life science companies can partner effectively before, during and after a critical incident.
This event is for Biocom members only. Register today.

Bay Area ► Mayor Lurie Launches PermitSF Portal

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is debuting an online portal to modernize the city’s notoriously complex permitting process. The system will initially aim to streamline the permitting process for new doors, windows, fire alarms, sprinklers and other fire suppression systems.
With this new platform, the city is hoping to ease permitting confusion and create more transparency in the permitting process.

Greater Los Angeles ► Mayor Bass Delivers 2026 State of the City Address

In her February 2026 State of the City address, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized “unity” as the region prepares for the 2028 Olympics and World Cup. Bass announced the “Clean Corridors” initiative to beautify thoroughfares and provided updates on Pacific Palisades fire recovery. Amid her reelection campaign, she also addressed federal immigration raids and ongoing efforts to combat the homelessness crisis.

In Other News

Federal:

The White House launched TrumpRX, a direct-to-consumer platform currently offering 43 prescription drugs at discounted prices. These drugs are part of the most-favored nation pricing deals.
CMS released the list of drugs selected for the third cycle of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. “Negotiated” drugs prices would go into effect in 2028.
In partnership with subject matter experts, Biocom has created an introductory video series explaining how the FDA regulates drugs, biologics and medical devices and ways to interact with the agency through the product development process. Check out the series here.

State:

A unitary taxation bill, AB 1790, has been introduced to Repeal “Water’s Edge” Corporate Tax Election. The 40-year-old “Water’s Edge” tax provision, allows multi-national corporations to choose how they report income to minimize state tax liability. This proposal would significantly alter how life science organizations with global operations report income earned through foreign subsidiaries.
Biocom members Intuitive and Numen presented at the California State Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology Hearing, chaired by Assemblymember Chris Ward, showcasing how California’s Medical Device sector continues to lead global healthcare solutions.

Receive more policy news specific to your region by subscribing to our weekly
Bay Area, San Diego or Greater Los Angeles newsletters.

Policy & Advocacy Events

Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events

Meet the Team

Biocom

For over 30 years, Biocom has advanced the life science industry with transformative resources that accelerate innovation. We help companies build meaningful connections and gain valuable insights through Conferences & Events, deliver access to Funding & Partnering opportunities, provide Group Purchasing solutions that drive efficiency and savings, champion Policy & Advocacy that protects and advances the innovation ecosystem, and strengthen talent pipelines through Workforce Development. Biocom is how the life science industry gets connected.

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