California Will Continue to Be Leader in Semiconductor Manufacturing As Senator Cortese’s SB 1306 is Signed into Law

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San José) announced today that Governor Newsom has signed his Senate Bill 1306 (SB 1306) into law, removing unnecessary regulatory barriers for semiconductor research and manufacturing while aligning California law with existing federal standards.

SB 1306 addresses California regulations governing certain chemical mixtures containing gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) that are essential to semiconductor manufacturing and research. SB 1306 will align California’s treatment of these mixtures with longstanding federal exemptions while maintaining existing requirements for the purchase, storage, and use of pure GBL.

“California cannot claim to be the global leader in semiconductor innovation while maintaining outdated regulations that make it harder and more expensive to manufacture and conduct research here than with our global competitors,” said Senator Cortese. “SB 1306 brings California in line with federal standards, cuts unnecessary red tape, and helps ensure that the next generation of semiconductor research, manufacturing, and high-paying jobs stays right here in California.”

California leads the nation in semiconductor research and development, accounting for approximately 51% of U.S. semiconductor R&D in 2021, while the state’s semiconductor sector contributes more than $100 billion annually to the economy.

"SEMI applauds Governor Newsom’s decision to sign Senate Bill 1306 into law, a measure that promotes consistent policies to strengthen supply chain resiliency and ensure the safe use of critical materials across California's technology and manufacturing sectors," said Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas. "With SB 1306 signed into law, California gains important clarity and alignment that will help maintain a resilient semiconductor ecosystem while upholding high standards for safety and responsible industry practices.”

Under prior California law, suppliers serving the semiconductor industry faced permitting, reporting, record-keeping, and transaction requirements for certain GBL-containing chemical mixtures that are exempt from comparable federal requirements. SB 1306 removes those state requirements for qualifying mixtures containing GBL at concentrations of 70% or less by weight or volume.

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Joséand much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website at https://sd15.senate.ca.gov. View all Press Releases at https://sd15.senate.ca.gov/news/press-releases.

Select the Google Translation Feature on the website for translations in Spanish, Vietnamese, and 12 other languages. Seleccione la función de traducción de Google en el sitio web para obtener traducciones al español, vietnamita y otros 12 idiomas. Hãy chọn tính năng Dịch của Google trên trang web để dịch sang tiếng Tây Ban Nha, tiếng Việt và 12 ngôn ngữ khác.

Contact:

Sunshine Borelli

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-391-8834 | Email: Sunshine.Borelli@sen.ca.gov

For Scheduling Media Requests: 

Natasha Waxman, Executive Assistant 

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15 

Email: Natasha.waxman@sen.ca.gov

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