Landmark legislation awaits the Governor's signature in California. Assembly Bill 52, the California Umbilical Cord Collection Program, will fund and shift administration of the Cord Blood Collection Program from the Department of Public Health to the University of California.

Project RACE is very pleased to report that Assembly Bill 52 has passed both the California Assembly and Senate. Project RACE is one of the supporters of record for this bill, whose main sponsor was Anthony Portantino (D-44th district). Assemblyman Portantino also sponsored the legislation to add the term "Multiracial" to school forms in California.

This legislation will allow for funding and cost savings, which will increase umbilical cord blood collection, storage, and retrieval for patients with blood diseases, including leukemia. Parents will be able to choose to publicly bank their babies' umbilical cord blood at no cost, making this a viable option that will save the lives of multiracial children and adults.