AN ACT Relating to developing the quantum technology industry into the state's economic development and workforce;
HB2368 directs the Washington Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum technology strategy aimed at growing the state’s quantum technology industry and supporting workforce development. The bill begins with legislative findings describing quantum technology as an emerging field with applications in computing, networking, communications, sensing, and sectors such as health care, energy, climate, security, and materials science. It also states that the industry could generate substantial economic value over the next decade and that Washington should act quickly to remain competitive with other states and countries investing in quantum research and commercialization.
The required state strategy must include an assessment of the current quantum industry and its projected growth, identify projects and programs that could quickly improve the industry’s economic vitality, and outline public-private partnership opportunities involving government, academia, private investors, companies, universities, national labs, and business organizations. The strategy must also analyze state policies that could support industry growth, including regulatory reforms, tax and financial supports, and education and workforce programs. In addition, it must explore quantum applications in areas such as nuclear physics, energy, renewables, materials science, and chemistry, identify research and development opportunities with Washington institutions and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and describe anticipated economic and workforce impacts. The department may contract with a Washington-based quantum computing manufacturing entity or regional industry organization to help carry out these duties, and it is directed to seek gifts, grants, and other nonstate contributions to support the work. The strategy is due to the Legislature by June 1 and the section expires August 1, 2027.
The bill creates a new, temporary statutory requirement for the Department of Commerce to produce a statewide quantum technology strategy and report it to the Legislature. It does not directly regulate private conduct, but it does require state planning around economic development, workforce training, research partnerships, and possible policy changes affecting taxes, regulation, and financial incentives. It also authorizes the department to contract for assistance and to seek outside funding, which could shape how Washington coordinates with industry, universities, and national laboratories on quantum-related initiatives.
The bill’s tone is strongly supportive of quantum technology as an economic development opportunity, and the legislative findings reflect an urgency to position Washington competitively. Even without recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the bill text suggests broad pro-innovation and pro-growth sentiment, emphasizing jobs, capital investment, and public-private collaboration. The measure appears designed as a strategic planning bill rather than a controversial regulatory proposal.
The main potential points of contention are not explicit in the available record, but the bill’s strategy requirements could raise questions about state spending priorities, the role of tax and financial incentives, and whether Washington should use public resources to support a still-emerging industry. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on partnerships with private entities and outside funding, which may prompt debate over governance, transparency, and which organizations should help shape the state strategy. Because the bill is framed as a planning directive with an expiration date, any disagreement would likely center on implementation details rather than the overall goal of industry development.