Our 2024 Public Policy Recap Report; The 2025 Legislative Year; Special Election for San Diego Supervisorial District 1; and more.
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End of Year Policy Recap Report
Our 2024 recap report highlights our advocacy efforts that impacted members at the federal, state and local levels. Learn how we engaged on federal issues like R&D amortization and drug pricing, secured big state legislative wins such as the Health Trust, and influenced local policies supporting life science growth in the San Diego, Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles regions.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► Biocom California Welcomes the 119th Congress
- California welcomed 9 freshmen Members, all Democrats. With the latest race called in early December (Adam Gray defeated John Duarte), the delegation makeup was finally complete with 43 Democrats and 9 Republicans. Committee assignments are ongoing but we have congratulated champions Rep. Kevin Mullin and Rep. Mike Levin on serving on the crucial Energy & Commerce Committee and Appropriations Committee, respectively.
- Our DC team was on Capitol Hill for Congress’ first day in session, meeting with old and new Members and staff of the California Congressional delegation and connecting with our industry members.
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State ► Governor Proposes a $322 Billion Balanced Budget
- The budget emphasizes fiscal stability, efficient governance, and transformative investments in education, public safety, and economic growth without cutting core programs.
- Last year, we successfully negotiated a budget provision requiring the Department of Finance to assess the state’s cash position and recommend the early termination of the suspended Net Operating Loss deductions and research & development tax credit restrictions if state revenues are sufficient. We have continued advocating for the early reinstatement of these industry incentives and met with the Governor’s Department of Finance in late December.
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San Diego ► Special Election to be Held for District 1 Supervisor
- After Supervisor Nora Vargas unexpectedly stepped down in December, the Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on January 14 to decide whether to appoint someone to fill the vacancy or hold a special election. As the board is currently split 2-2 between parties, they voted to proceed with a special election, which will take place on Tuesday, April 8.
- Biocom California will continue to monitor the special election and is dedicated to working with whoever the people elect on issues impacting our members.
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Bay Area ► Berkeley City Council Unanimously Passes Keep Innovation in Berkeley Package
- City Council voted unanimously to update the city’s zoning to Keep Innovation in Berkeley, making it easier for businesses to get zoning approvals for R&D uses with certain specifications and changes the rules on where labs using BSL-2 organisms can locate, among other things.
- Biocom California has advocated in support of the package since the beginning of the process over two years ago.
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Greater Los Angeles ► LA City Council Receives New Committee Assignments from Council President
- Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson revealed new committee assignments, with ally Katy Yaroslavsky chairing budget. Other notable assignments that impact our members are Councilmember Price chairing economic development and Councilmember Blumenfeld chairing planning. The appointments resulted in some debate around favoritism and the city’s approach to homelessness and public safety policies.
- Read more about the specific committee assignments here.
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Federal:
- On December 20, Congress passed and the President signed H.R. 10545 to extend government funding until March 14. The continuing resolution includes extensions for telehealth (3/31/25) and the Farm Bill (9/30/25) but leaves out key health provisions.
- FDA has issued its first draft guidance proposing a framework for utilizing credible AI models to support regulatory decision-making for drug and biological product submissions. Biocom California commented on the discussion papers in 2023.
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State:
- The California Legislature reconvenes to commence a new session at odds over how to lower the cost of living, how much to resist a second Trump presidency, where to trim state spending, how to harness tech innovations, and more.
- Apply for over $215 million in tax credits through the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) program by January 27.
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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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Upcoming Committee Meetings and Events
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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. With over 29 years of experience, Biocom California works on behalf of more than {{{dynamic_content_1600}}} member companies statewide.
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