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Senate committee unanimously refers California quantum strategy bill to appropriations
Summary
The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to refer a bill establishing a state-led quantum computing strategy, including GO‑Biz coordination and workforce outreach, to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on an unrecorded date voted 9-0 to refer a bill that would direct the state to develop an industry strategy for quantum computing to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The bill’s author, Assemblywoman Wicks, told the committee California must act to keep researchers and companies in the state. "Whoever owns quantum owns the future," Wicks said, arguing that other states and countries are already committing large public investments to quantum projects.
The bill would house strategy development at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO‑Biz) and direct GO‑Biz to produce an industry overview, identify projects and programs to grow job and capital investment, analyze relevant state policies and regulations, and summarize expected sectoral outcomes. Jason Murphy, testifying for the University of California on behalf of UC Berkeley and Berkeley Lab, said the university system is "in strong support." Megan Stubers testified in support on behalf of Omidjara Network.
Committee members praised the measure’s statewide focus and emphasized workforce and equity aims. Senator Grayson said California must remain competitive globally. Senator Archuleta urged intentional outreach to local schools and colleges so opportunities reach students outside major tech hubs, and Senator Small Cuevas asked about timing for GO‑Biz’s work; the author said the strategy will be integrated into GO‑Biz’s recently rolled‑out state economic blueprint and Jobs First initiative but that exact timelines are still being worked out.
The motion to move the bill to Senate Appropriations was offered on the floor and carried unanimously. The committee recorded the motion as referred to Senate Appropriations Committee with a final vote of 9-0.
Committee members and witnesses stressed the bill is an initial, coordinating step rather than a full funding package. The author and the committee noted seed funding is already included in the state budget, described in the hearing as "seed money" but with the amount "not specified" in the committee discussion. Several senators and the author characterized the bill as the start of a larger conversation about investments and public‑private partnerships.
The measure will next be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
