California’s state Senate passed SB 895, establishing a new public entity—the California Foundation for Science and Health Research—to distribute $12 billion in grants through bonds, aimed at stabilizing university research in the face of federal disruption. The bill requires the measure to pass the House, receive Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, and win voter approval in the next statewide election. It also directs grant prioritization toward areas that may replace federal cuts, including public health and climate change. With the foundation governance structure including seats for leadership of California’s two public university systems, the proposal sets up a major new state capital channel for researchers—while also intensifying scrutiny on how peer review and outcomes will be assessed.