House Bill Analysis, HB 1360, Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee

Summary

House of Representatives Office of Program Research bill analysis of HB 1360, Concerning advancement of quantum economic development, for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee, with a hearing date of 1/24/25. Sponsors are Representatives Ryu, Shavers, Parshley, Entenman, Ortiz-Self and Nance. The brief summary says the bill creates a 10-member advisory committee to advance the economic development of quantum technologies, which is required to provide recommendations and produce a workforce development plan. It also creates a grant program within the Department of Commerce to support applicants for federal grants related to quantum technology. The analysis lists the appropriation as None and a fiscal note requested on January 17, 2025.

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Washington State BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
HB 1360
Brief Description: Concerning advancement of quantum economic development.

Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Shavers, Parshley, Entenman, Ortiz-Self and Nance.

Brief Summary of Bill
• Creates a 10-member advisory committee to advance the economic
development of quantum technologies.
• The advisory committee is required to provide recommendations to
promote a quantum technology ecosystem and produce a workforce
development plan.
• Creates a grant program within the Department of Commerce to support
applicants for federal grants related to quantum technology.

Hearing Date: 1/24/25

Staff: Martha Wehling (786-7067).

Background:

Quantum Technology.
The principles of quantum mechanics are used to develop quantum technologies. Quantum
mechanics are the laws of physics that apply to sub-atomic particles. Examples of quantum
technologies include quantum computing, communication, and sensing:
• Quantum computing uses "qubits," a chip different from conventional semiconductors,
which allow faster processing than traditional computers. Possible applications of
quantum computing include climate models, medicine development, development oftraffic

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
constitute a statement of legislative intent.

House Bill Analysis -1- HB 1360
systems, and a resilient energy grid.
• Quantum communication uses key distribution for enhanced security. Possible
applications of quantum communication include protecting consumers from financial fraud
and preventing interception of sensitive information.
• Quantum sensing allows high precision measurements at the level of individual atoms.
Possible applications of quantum sensing are broad, including: healthcare, medical
research, environmental monitoring, construction, energy, navigation, and defense.

Governments began to establish quantum hubs to explore quantum technologies about 15 years
ago. In 2018 the federal National Quantum Initiative Act provided $1 billion annually for
quantum research. In the fall of 2024, the United States Commerce Department published a rule
controlling quantum computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and other advanced technologies.

Private companies have also formed partnerships and investments to develop quantum
technology. The Northwest Quantum Nexus (NQN) is a coalition including the University of
Washington, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Microsoft Quantum. It was formed to
develop a quantum-fluent workforce and economy in the Pacific Northwest by accelerating
research, technology development, education, and training in the quantum information sciences.

The workforce for the quantum ecosystem will rely on a wide variety of skilled workers,
including technicians, programmers, engineers, business developers, marketers, and sales. Two
universities in Washington currently have programs for quantum research, the University of
Washington and Washington State University.

Economic Development.
The Department of Commerce is responsible for promoting community and economic
development, assisting businesses in the state to maintain and increase economic
competitiveness, and expand the state's role in trade promotion and marketing. It does this
through a variety of programs, including technical assistance, grant inventories, and innovation
partnership zones.

Existing programs that promote quantum-adjacent technologies include the life sciences
discovery fund, which provides research grants; the Washington State Broadband Office, which
develops broadband accessibility and economic vitality; the Digital Equity Forum, which
develops recommendations to advance digital connectivity; and a workforce innovation sector
lead, to develop and retain research and development employers and workforce.

Summary of Bill:

Establishment of a Quantum Technology Advisory Committee.
The Director of the Department of Commerce (Commerce) is required to appoint a 10-member
advisory committee made up of: the Lieutenant Governor or his designee, a statewide elected
official, the Director or his designee, at least one institution of higher education, two technology
companies with headquarters in Washington, an aerospace company with a factory in the state, a

House Bill Analysis -2- HB 1360
company that builds and sells quantum computers and software, and the Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory (PNNL). Commerce is required to provide staff for the advisory committee,
provide direction, and ensure accountability.

The advisory committee is required to select a chair, meet quarterly, produce a workforce
development plan, and produce two reports to the Legislature with recommendations to
competitively promote a quantum technology ecosystem in the state.

The advisory committee will expire on June 30, 2027.

Program for Federal Quantum Technology Grants.
Commerce is required to establish a grant program to support applicants for grants related to
quantum technology. Commerce is required to partner with a higher education institution with a
research program in quantum technology, award grants at least annually, and determine the grant
application process. Commerce may adopt rules.

To identify relevant federal grants, Commerce is permitted to consult with technology
companies, Northwest Quantum Nexus, companies that build and sell quantum computers and
software, or PNNL.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2025.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is
passed.

House Bill Analysis -3- HB 1360

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