Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1172, authored by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), extending tax donation checkoffs for the California Breast Cancer Research Fund (CBCRF) and the California Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) until January 1, 2032.
This legislation ensures critical funding for cancer research, offering vital resources for advancing the fight against breast cancer and other forms of cancer.
“It has been an honor to author this impactful legislation and collaborate with the American Cancer Society Action Network and the University of California Office of the President in our shared commitment to advancing cancer research,” said Senator Grove. “By extending these tax donation checkoffs, we are providing essential resources to fight cancer and improve the lives of many Californians. With the signing of SB 1172 into law, California sends a clear message that we are committed to a future without cancer.”
The legislation ensures continued financial support for two vital research programs. The California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), established by the 1993 Breast Cancer Act, administers funding for breast cancer research in the state.
Over the last six years, the CBCRF has raised over $2.7 million through voluntary tax checkoff donations. This funding supports groundbreaking research and essential programs in the fight against breast cancer, the most common cancer among women.
Similarly, the California Cancer Research Fund (CCRF), established in 2008, focuses on causes, treatments, community education, and culturally sensitive cancer prevention programs, particularly for at-risk populations.
In the past six years, CCRF has generated over $2.9 million in donations. Both CBCRF and CCRF are administered by the University of California, and the tax checkoff program has consistently ranked among the top seven of the state’s 20 voluntary contribution funds.
Jennifer Chase, Legislative Director at the University of California Office of the President, said, “We are grateful to Senator Grove and Governor Newsom for extending these tax donation checkoffs, which enable innovative research that drives cancer breakthroughs.”
Autumn Ogden-Smith, ACS CAN California Government Relations Director, added, “These funds are critical tools in preventing, treating, and curing cancer. We applaud the Governor for signing SB 1172 and thank Senator Grove for championing this important measure.”
Without the passage of SB 1172, both the CBCRF and CCRF would have been eliminated from California tax forms next year, cutting off a stable revenue stream that has fueled essential cancer research and education efforts.
Now, with the extension of these voluntary income tax checkoff programs, the state continues to support innovative research, with the goal of reducing the cancer burden for all Californians.
SB 1172 was signed into law by Governor Newsom on July 15, 2024.
