Stem Cell Intellectual Property Measure Passes Key Committee
SB 771 by Senators Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) and George Runner (R-Lancaster) was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and passed out on a 5-0 vote.  The measure would place highly restrictive recoupment and revenue sharing provisions, as well as pricing and access requirements, on intellectual property agreements negotiated by organizations that accept grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).  Prop 71, which called for $3 billion in state bonds to fund stem cell research, contains a measure requiring a 70 percent majority vote in the legislature to regulate CIRM.  Thus far, whatever their opinions about stem cell research, legislators in both parties have agreed that they have the power to make policy for CIRM, on grounds that it is a state agency. The measure moves next to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Career Technical Education Bill Clears Senate Education Committee
On Wednesday, a career technical education measure passed out of its first policy committee.  SB 405 by Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) will provide resources to increase course offerings at up to 100 schools (9-12 grade level) and provide support for career technical education and courses satisfying the admission requirements for California public colleges and universities.  CHI supports the measure because, while the state’s institutions of higher learning continue to offer technical programs to meet the workforce needs of industry, too few qualified students are enrolling.  Offering relevant coursework at the high-school level will expand the pool of students interested in pursuing advanced technical learning in college.  CHI is working with our membership to find ways that commercial companies can enhance efforts along these lines.

Measure Promoting Increased Math and Science Education Passes Policy Committee
SB 858 by Senate Education Chairman Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) was heard this week in the Senate Education Committee.  This measure would establish the California mathematics and science teacher initiative to increase the number of math and science teachers by encouraging experienced teachers and retiring professionals to earn teaching credentials.  CHI supports SB 858 because CHI’s members rely on our state’s education system to produce qualified students to meet their workforce needs. Programs that create more qualified teachers will drive the future prosperity of the biomedical industry in California.  The measure passed on a 9-0 vote and moves next to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Journal of Life Sciences Debuts
The Journal of Life Sciences debuted this week with a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.  The Journal is a new publication for our industry’s thought leaders and decision makers.  It will focus on the most important topics in science, business, politics, and society, providing readers with high-level overview, debate and analysis.  The Journal is a joint venture between CHI and the Burrill Life Sciences Media Group.  For more information, and to subscribe, go to www.tjols.com.