Senate committee advances bill to position California as a quantum computing hub

At a meeting in Room 112 of the State Capitol, the California State Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee voted 9‑0 to refer a bill to the Senate Appropriations Committee that would direct the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO‑Biz) to develop a statewide strategy for quantum computing and related industries.

The bill’s author, Assemblywoman Wicks, told the committee the measure is intended to keep California’s universities and private sector leadership in quantum research and attract public‑private investment. "Whoever owns quantum owns the future," she said, urging the panel to act as other states and nations make large investments in the field.

Committee members and witnesses said the proposal is meant to coordinate research institutions and industry across the state, while emphasizing workforce development and equity. Jason Murphy, testifying on behalf of the University of California, said the UC system, including UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, submitted a letter of strong support and stands ready to partner with the state.

Why it matters: several other U.S. states recently announced major public investments in quantum initiatives, committee members noted. Assemblywoman Wicks cited Maryland’s $1 billion initiative, Illinois’ $500 million investment and New Mexico’s $350 million plan as examples of aggressive state efforts to capture research, jobs and capital. The bill would create an industry overview, identify projects and programs to accelerate economic activity, analyze relevant state policies and summarize sector‑level outcomes anticipated from implementation.

Discussion highlights: supporters described the bill as an opening step rather than a comprehensive funding package. Wicks said “there’s some money set aside in the budget for this,” but she described that amount as seed funding and said larger investments would require subsequent budget action. Senator Grayson said California must act quickly to compete globally and called the bill a means to position the state as a global hub for quantum technology. Senator Archuleta and others pressed for intentional outreach to community colleges, local schools and underrepresented communities so workforce pipelines benefit all regions of the state.

GO‑Biz placement and equity focus: the author and several senators said the bill was revised to place the work within GO‑Biz and its recently released state economic blueprint, which organizes 13 regional centers. Wicks said housing the strategy at GO‑Biz will help include regions beyond traditional tech hubs — naming Bakersfield, Fresno, Redding and the Inland Empire as examples — and work with regional workforce offices and community colleges to expand access.

Support and testimony: Jason Murphy, representing the University of California, said the UC campuses and national labs support the bill. A witness identified as Megan Stubers spoke "on behalf of Omidjara Network" in support. No witnesses registered formal opposition in the committee room.

Action and votes: the committee approved a motion to move the bill to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Strickland moved the bill; a second was not specified on the record. The committee recorded a 9‑0 vote to refer the bill to Appropriations.

Next steps: the bill will be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Committee members and the author said the legislation is intended to initiate a larger conversation about state investments and workforce programs needed to expand quantum research, training and commercialization across California.

Ending: supporters called the measure a starting point to coordinate public‑private partnerships, workforce development and regional inclusion as California seeks to retain and expand quantum research and industry within the state.