SB 80: Energy: Fusion Research and Development Innovation Initiative.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law establishes the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, with various responsibilities with respect to developing and implementing the state’s energy policies. Existing law requires, as part of the 2027 edition of the integrated energy policy report, the commission to include an assessment of the potential for fusion energy to contribute to California’s power supply. Existing law requires the commission to carry out technical assessment studies on all forms of energy, including, among others, advanced nuclear powerplant concepts, fusion, and fuel cells.

This bill would establish the Fusion Research and Development Innovation Initiative within the commission to accelerate the development and growth of fusion energy by advancing fusion science and technology. The bill would require the commission to administer the initiative and provide financial incentives for projects that, among other things, advance research and development into fusion energy, accelerate the deployment of new research and technology capabilities that support the commercialization of fusion energy, or achieve the initiative’s goal of delivering the world’s first fusion energy pilot project in the state by the 2040s, as specified. The bill would make its provisions operative, and implementation of its provisions contingent, upon an appropriation by the Legislature for the initiative. The bill would repeal its provisions on January 1, 2028.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. October 3, 2025Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 334, Statutes of 2025.
2. October 3, 2025Approved by the Governor.
3. September 23, 2025Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.
4. September 13, 2025Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 36. Noes 0. Page 3040.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
5. September 13, 2025In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
6. September 12, 2025Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 80. Noes 0. Page 3424.) Ordered to the Senate.
7. September 8, 2025Read third time and amended.
8. September 8, 2025Joint Rule 61(a)(13) suspended. (Ayes 58. Noes 20. Page 2974.)
9. September 8, 2025Ordered to third reading.
10. September 2, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
11. August 29, 2025From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (August 29).
12. August 20, 2025August 20 set for first hearing. Placed on APPR. suspense file.