Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Innovation Quantum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly committee advances bill to create 'quantum innovation zones' in California
Summary
AB 940 would let two or more cities and counties establish state-recognized quantum innovation zones to attract investment, workforce programs and federal funding; UC and other research leaders testified in support and the committee advanced the bill to appropriations.
Assemblymember Wicks introduced AB 940 to authorize local governments — two or more cities and counties acting together — to form state-sanctioned "quantum innovation zones." The bill’s stated purpose is to coordinate state incentives, workforce programs, grants and other supports to accelerate California’s quantum information science economy.
Co-author Assemblymember Ellis, who described private-sector experience in quantum encryption and networks, said California already has research and workforce assets that could be organized more effectively to retain and attract investment. “Whoever owns quantum owns the future,” Ellis said, urging the state to act to keep that industry in California.
University witnesses included Jessica Duong of the University of California Office of the President and Steve Kahn, dean of mathematical and physical sciences at UC Berkeley. Kahn told the committee quantum technologies could transform computing, medicine, energy and other sectors, and said other states have already made substantial investments. He told members that state-level coordination would help identify projects, incentives and workforce needs that benefit both zones and the statewide ecosystem.
The committee voted to pass AB 940 to the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review and further consideration. Committee documents show the motion carried and the item was placed on call for subsequent processing.
