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Appropriations Advances AB 940 to Direct Go-Biz to Prioritize Quantum Technology Strategy
Summary
AB 940, sponsored as a bipartisan effort to prioritize quantum technology within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz), was advanced by the committee. Authors said the bill leverages existing jobs initiatives and requires minimal new spending; no formal opposition was reported in committee.
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to advance AB 940, directing the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) to develop an industry strategy prioritizing quantum technology within existing jobs and economic development initiatives.
Assemblymember Wicks described the bill as a modest, bipartisan proposal to ensure California applies existing economic-development resources and the Jobs First regional initiative toward quantum technology planning and industry coordination. The author said Go-Biz already has funding and infrastructure from prior allocations that can be repurposed to prioritize quantum within regional work.
No witnesses testified in opposition and Department of Finance reported no file. Committee members expressed support for the bill’s strategic objective to keep California competitive in an area of fast-developing national and international investment. Several senators said the measure was a prudent, low-cost way to centralize strategy for the state’s existing quantum industry assets.
The committee recorded the motion to send AB 940 to the Senate floor; roll calls during the hearing registered unanimous or near-unanimous support and the bill was reported out with favorable recommendation.
Why it matters: Quantum technology is an emerging industry with potential implications for computing, communications and defense. The bill encourages a state-level strategy and coordination among economic-development efforts without creating a large new program or immediate new spending.
Next steps: The bill moves to the Senate floor. Committee members noted that, although initial work can rely on existing Go-Biz resources, longer-term implementation and budget needs may require later appropriation review by the budget committee.
