Appropriations advances AB 940 to prioritize quantum technology strategy within GoBiz

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to pass AB 940, a bill that directs the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) to develop and prioritize an industry strategy for quantum technology as part of GoBiz's regional "jobs first" initiatives.

Assemblymember Wicks, the bill's author, described the measure as a low-cost way to fold quantum technology into existing GoBiz economic development efforts. "Whoever owns quantum owns the future," Wicks said, noting a bipartisan effort and joint authorship with an Assemblymember who has private-sector experience in quantum companies. The author told the committee that GoBiz already administers regional jobs-first initiatives with existing funding and that the bill would direct GoBiz to elevate quantum as a priority area within that structure.

Department of Finance had no file on the measure. Committee members, including the senator who oversees the subcommittee that funds GoBiz, expressed support for the initial, limited investment and for the state to marshal its comparative advantages in quantum research and commercialization. The committee adopted a due-pass motion and reported the bill to the Senate floor by recorded vote with present members voting 4 to 0; the roll was left open for absent members.

Supporters and the author said the policy leverages existing infrastructure in GoBiz and AB 105 funding already dedicated to the business development program, and that immediate additional state spending would be modest. The measure moves to the Senate floor for consideration.