2026 California Ballot: Proposition 38

Proposition 38: Authorizes $8.4 billion in bonds to fund immunology and immunotherapy research. A select research institute affiliated with the University of California would receive half of the funding, and the other half would be distributed to select public universities and non-profits.

• Immunotherapy is treatment that uses the body’s immune system, usually your own, to attack cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
• The California Department of Public Health would select the institute to receive of a portion of the funding, one that specializes in immunology and immunotherapy.
• Opposers says that while the State should support medical research, this measure would commit taxpayers to decades of new bond debt.

FISCAL IMPACT: Increased state cost of $500 million to $600 million annually for about 20 years to repay the research bond, with some or all of the cost offset if the funded research generates revenue.

"Yes" Vote: The state would be allowed to borrow $8.4 billion in bonds to support medical research in immunology and immunotherapy.

"No" Vote: The state would not be allowed to borrow $8.4 billion in bonds to support medical research in immunology and immunotherapy.

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