California’s state Senate approved SB 895, a bill that would create a new public entity—the California Foundation for Science and Health Research—to fund health and science research through a $12 billion bond measure. The foundation would issue grants and awards, prioritizing research areas positioned to replace federal funding cuts. The bill would require further action in the House, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, and voter approval at the next statewide general election. Its governance structure would include appointed council members from California’s public university systems and independent colleges. The reporting indicates SB 895’s grant distribution would rely on open, competitive peer review based on scientific merit, with targeted areas including climate change, public health, and HIV and AIDS. For California universities and research centers, the legislation represents a potential counterweight to federal disruptions and a new funding pathway tied to statewide strategic priorities.