Passed on July 28, 2025, Law AB 703 is a culmination of the efforts from Irvington High School student Sahil Mehta, his community and Assemblymember Alex Lee. Law AB 703 allows for a California taxpayer to designate a portion of their liabilities on tax returns into funding the California Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund. This act is a voluntary checkoff on the return, as stated by LegiScan.
As for how this bill came to be, it started on Jan. 7, 2016, when Sahil’s older brother, Ronil Mehta, suddenly collapsed while getting ready for school. At just 12 years old, he was diagnosed with brain cancer, specifically DIPG, an aggressive brain tumor that emerges during childhood.
“He was determined and passionate,” said Sahil. “He loved going to physical therapy every day to improve himself.”
Despite the challenges he faced, Ronil maintained a positive outlook that was truly reflected in those who supported him, and stated that his final wish was to have his tumor studied for research so that other kids with DIPG would have better outcomes.
“He thought about others until the very end,” said Sahil. “That continues to inspire me and is really the spark for all of my advocacy work.”
To further his goals of raising awareness for pediatric cancer research, Sahil and his family partnered with another Bay Area family, Rayaan Kolte and his family, who had experienced a similar loss with the passing of Neev Kolte (Rayaan’s little brother). These families knew better than anyone what it was like to lose a loved one to something so rare and volatile. Together they formed the Neev Kolte and Brave Ronil Foundation (NKBR).
“The mission of the organization is to advance pediatric cancer research, specifically for pediatric brain cancers,” said Sahil.
By hosting annual galas, toy drives and fundraisers, the foundations were able to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research.
As for the policymaking process, the journey started when Sahil attended Climb the Hill, an event in Washington, D.C., hosted by Kids V Cancer to promote youth advocacy. Sahil had the chance to talk with lawmakers about legislation to support pediatric cancer research.
“After Climb the Hill, I wanted to think about what California could do,” said Sahil.
Through research, Sahil realised California did not have a specific fund for pediatric cancer, as most of it went to adult cancers. To find a solution, Sahil researched voluntary tax contribution funds, and that got him started on his bill.
“I made a full presentation and presented it to my Assemblymember, Alex Lee,” said Sahil. “I told him California could become the seventh state to have a childhood cancer tax contribution fund; he immediately supported it.”
After reaching out to multiple organizations such as American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN) and UC Regents, Sahil rallied support with senators and representatives. On July 28, 2025, the bill was passed with a unanimous vote.
Of course, Sahil has more plans—ones that require even more effort but promise even greater results.
“The fund needs to hit a $250,000 donation threshold by 2027 or it will be dropped from the tax form,” said Sahil. “That’s why I’m working hard to spread awareness.”
