Bill Analysis — HB 2446, Developing the quantum technology industry (Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans)

Summary

House Bill Analysis of HB 2446, Developing the quantum technology industry into the state's economic development and workforce, prepared by the Office of Program Research for the Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee, with a hearing date of 1/20/26. The sponsors are Representatives Barnard, Ryu, Salahuddin, Shavers and Donaghy. The brief summary says the bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, 2026, allows it to contract with a quantum computing manufacturer or a regional organization, and requires it to seek non-state funding. The analysis lists Appropriation: None and a fiscal note requested on January 13, 2026.

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Washington State BILL
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research ANALYSIS
Technology, Economic Development, &
Veterans Committee
HB 2446
Brief Description: Developing the quantum technology industry into the state's economic
development and workforce.

Sponsors: Representatives Barnard, Ryu, Salahuddin, Shavers and Donaghy.

Brief Summary of Bill
• Requires the Department of Commerce (Commerce) to develop a state
quantum strategy by June 30, 2026.
• Specifies issues to be included in the strategy, such as projected growth
of the quantum technology industry and strategies to increase jobs and
capital investments in the state.
• Allows Commerce to contract with a quantum computing manufacturer
or a regional organization to develop the strategy.
• Requires Commerce to seek non-state funding to develop the strategy.

Hearing Date: 1/20/26

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 subatomic particles. Examples of quantum
technologies include quantum computing, communication, and sensing:

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 2446
• 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 of
traffic 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 include 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 formed partnerships and investments to develop quantum technology.
The Northwest Quantum Nexus includes 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 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 expanding 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, which develops and retains research and development employers and workforce.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) is required to develop a state quantum technology
strategy by June 30, 2026. Commerce is required to seek gifts, grants, and contributions from

House Bill Analysis -2- HB 2446
non-state sources to prepare the strategy. Commerce may contract with an external entity to
prepare the strategy, including: a quantum computing manufacturing entity or a regional
organization.

The strategy must:
• provide an overview of the quantum technology industry (QT Industry), projected growth,
and strategies to increase jobs and capital investments in the state;
• identify projects and programs that will most quickly improve the economic vitality of the
QT Industry;
• identify public-private partnerships that will provide funding and partnerships to accelerate
the QT Industry;
• analyze state policies, including regulatory reforms, tax and financial supports, and
education and workforce programs, to grow the QT Industry;
• explore quantum research into specific industry areas;
• identify research and development opportunities in public universities and regional
organizations;
• identify partnerships to attract federal investment; and
• identify the economic and workforce impacts of a QT Industry in the state.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2026.

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

House Bill Analysis -3- HB 2446

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