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What’s Inside: BIOSECURE Act Moves Forward in Congress; Carlsbad Climate Action Plan Update; Proposed Restrictions to Siting Labs in San Francisco; Upcoming Events; and more.
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BIOSECURE Act Passes House of Representatives
On September 9, the House of Representatives passed the BIOSECURE Act by a vote of 306-81, with 44 not voting. The Senate has expressed similar interest in this bill and they are considering adding it to their version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Biocom California has not taken a position on the bill due to a lack of consensus among our members, but supports the national security objectives while also working with Congress to ensure our members’ supply chains are not abruptly disrupted. Part of that effort has been to ensure the bill retains a grandfathering clause, which provides for a wind-down period until January 2032 for existing contracts. We will continue to engage on this legislation with Congress, our partners and our members as it moves through the legislative process and continue to provide updates to our members. Read more.
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Advocating for Our Members
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Federal ► Biocom California Hosts FDA CBER Director Dr. Peter Marks
- We hosted FDA CBER Director Dr. Peter Marks at the statewide joint Regulatory Affairs and Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) committee meeting in August.
- Members heard directly from Marks about regulatory policy advancements and an update on the Collaboration on Gene Therapies Global (CoGenT Global) Pilot and Support for Clinical Trials Advancing Rare disease Therapeutics (START) Pilot Programs. Read more.
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State ► Biocom California PAC Hosts Annual Reception
- We hosted our annual Biocom California PAC Elected Officials and Candidates Reception in San Diego—an evening for members to mingle with local and state public figures.
- Thank you to all the legislators who attended: Congressman Lou Correa, Congressman Scott Peters, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, Councilember Kent Lee, Councilmember Marni von Wilpert and Councilmember Colin Parent.
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San Diego ► Carlsbad Climate Action Plan Reach Code Could Require 100% Building Electrification
- Carlsbad Planning Commission is in the process of updating the city’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).
- Biocom California submitted a letter related to a potential “reach code”—a policy that would require 100% building electrification. We will continue to engage on the CAP as it moves through the legislative process in Carlsbad. Read more.
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Bay Area ► San Francisco Legislative Proposal Would Ban Labs in Urban
Mixed-Use Zones
- San Francisco County Supervisor Walton is proposing legislation disallowing lab uses in urban mixed-use zoning areas, which would be detrimental to the life science industry.
- Our staff has been working with the SF Board of Supervisors and planning commission recommending disapproval of this legislation. Read more.
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- Yesterday we wrapped up our statewide “Meet the Inspector” series with a final workshop in Los Angeles. The series brings local agencies and members together to develop relationships outside of the permit process.
- LA members heard from utility, building and engineering officials about inspection trends, common violations and regulatory updates.
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Federal:
- We hosted a roundtable with Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) at Dexcom, where members discussed AI and data privacy, investment in innovation and entrepreneurship, and more.
- CMS announced the Maximum Fair Prices of the first ten Medicare Part D drugs selected for the first cycle of negotiations under the IRA’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The “negotiated” drug prices will go into effect January 1, 2026.
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San Diego:
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Bay Area:
- Caltrain debuts their electric train, first of its kind in California.
- Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid is not running for reelection.
- The housing bond is no longer on the November ballot.
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Greater Los Angeles:
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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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