Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s bill urges Washington to seize the quantum future or risk falling behind
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Rep. Stephanie Barnard’s bill urges Washington to seize the quantum future or risk falling behind
Washington state has long been synonymous with innovation, from the jet age to the digital revolution. But as the next major technological leap, quantum computing, begins to reshape the global economy, Washington risks being left on the sidelines.
Rep. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, has introduced House Bill 2446 to ensure the state remains a global leader in technology. The legislation directs the Department of Commerce to develop a statewide strategy to accelerate the growth of the quantum technology industry, ensuring Washington can compete for the high-tech jobs and federal investment of the future.
“Our state has a proud history of defining the cutting edge, but we cannot rest on that legacy alone. Innovation requires intention,” said Barnard. “We cannot assume that because we led the last technological wave, we will automatically lead the next one. We must be proactive to ensure our state remains the best place for big ideas.”
Quantum technology utilizes the principles of quantum physics to solve complex problems much faster than today’s powerful supercomputers. This technology holds the potential to revolutionize industries critical to Washington, including health care, energy, cybersecurity, and materials science.
“We have all the right ingredients, world-class researchers, national labs, and a thriving tech sector, but we lack the recipe to bring them together,” Barnard noted. “While we hesitate, other states are actively building infrastructure to capture the next generation of jobs. Washington needs a coordinated game plan to prove we are ready to lead the quantum economy, not just watch it happen elsewhere.”
HB 2446 seeks to close this gap by creating a formal “state quantum strategy” designed to pinpoint policies that grow jobs and attract capital investment. The roadmap would foster critical public-private partnerships among government, universities, national labs such as Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and private companies to analyze the education and workforce programs needed to ensure Washington workers are prepared for this new economy.
Importantly, the bill directs the Department of Commerce to seek non-state funding, such as federal grants or private donations, to develop this strategy, protecting state taxpayers while leveraging outside resources.
“This bill is about securing our economic future,” Barnard added. “If we plan today, we can anchor the high-wage jobs of tomorrow right here in Washington. But if we stand still, we risk losing our competitive edge to states that are hungrier for this opportunity.”
HB 2446 received a public hearing in the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee and remains under consideration.
