BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center

H.B. 4751

 

By: Capriglione et al. (Parker)

 

Business & Commerce

 

5/13/2025

 

Engrossed

 

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

The bill author has informed the committee that quantum computing could represent the next frontier in technological innovation, with the potential to revolutionize industries from energy and healthcare to finance, manufacturing, logistics, and cybersecurity and that by investing in quantum infrastructure, workforce development, and industry partnerships, Texas can leverage its robust network of research universities, technology companies, and manufacturing capacity to drive economic growth and job creation. The bill author has also informed the committee that creating an initiative to establish and advance the state's position as a national leader in the quantum industry will not only attract new quantum companies and research projects to Texas, but also prepare our state to compete for federal grants, private sector investment, and global partnerships in this emerging space. H.B. 4751 seeks to foster the continued development and growth of the quantum industry in Texas by creating the Texas Quantum Initiative. 

 

H.B. 4751 amends current law relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Quantum Initiative.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 481, Government Code, by adding Subchapter HH, as follows:

 

SUBCHAPTER HH.� TEXAS QUANTUM INITIATIVE

 

Sec. 481.681.� DEFINITIONS. Defines "executive committee," "initiative," and "institution of higher education."

 

Sec. 481.682.� ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSES.� (a) Provides that the Texas Quantum Initiative (initiative) is established to establish and advance this state's position as a national leader in the quantum industry and accelerate the integration of quantum computing, networking, and sensing technology into the economy of this state.

 

(b) Sets forth the purposes of the initiative.

 

Sec. 481.683.� ADMINISTRATIVE ATTACHMENT.� (a) Provides that the initiative is administratively attached to the Office of the Governor (governor's office).

 

(b) Requires the governor's office to hire or otherwise provide the staff and provide the facilities necessary to assist the initiative in performing the initiative's duties under this subchapter.

 

Sec. 481.684.� EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE COMPOSITION.� (a) Provides that the initiative is governed by an executive committee composed of seven members appointed by the governor.

 

(b) Requires that, in making appointments under Subsection (a), priority be given to individuals from the quantum design and manufacturing sectors.

 

(b-1) Requires appointments to the executive committee to be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointee.

 

(c) Requires the governor, in making appointments under Subsection (a), to ensure that the members of the executive committee include:

 

(1)� at least one representative from a quantum infrastructure provider who has demonstrated experience in implementing quantum networks in similar settings and deploying leading edge quantum computing systems in third-party data centers; and

 

(2)� at least one representative of a manufacturer of a quantum computing system with the ability to enable the creation and deployment of quantum solutions with commercial and practical use.

 

(d) Provides that an executive committee member services a six-year term at the pleasure of the governor. Requires the terms of executive committee members to be staggered so that, to the extent practicable, the terms of one-third of executive committee members expire on January 31 of each odd-numbered year. Authorizes an executive committee member to be reappointed for additional terms.

 

(e) Requires that a vacancy on the executive committee be filled by appointment.� Requires the authority that appointed the former member of the vacant position to appoint a new member to the vacant position.

 

(f) Requires that initial executive committee appointments be made by October 1, 2025.� Provides that this subsection expires December 31, 2025.

 

Sec. 481.685.� EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Requires the governor's office to hire an executive director. Requires the executive director to direct initiative staff and assist the initiative in performing the initiative's duties under this subchapter.

 

Sec. 481.686.� DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Requires the executive committee to perform certain duties.

 

Sec. 481.687.� STRATEGIC PLAN.� (a) Requires the governor's office to develop a strategic plan for the promotion of the quantum economy in this state. Requires that the plan include:

 

(1)� a list of potential projects that further the goals of the initiative;

 

(2) a list of federal grant opportunities that are related to quantum technology and for which institutions in this state are eligible to apply;

 

(3)� an assessment of the availability of external funding sources for each project identified under Subdivision (1); and

 

(4)� any other information the governor's office and the executive committee determine is relevant to further the initiative's goals.

 

(b) Requires the governor's office to submit the strategic plan required by this section not later than December 31 of each year to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of representatives.

 

Sec. 481.688.� BIENNIAL REPORT. Requires the governor's office, not later than December 1 of each even-numbered year, to prepare and submit to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) a written report that outlines certain information.

 

Sec. 481.689.� QUANTUM UNIVERSITY AND BUSINESS INNOVATION FOR TEXAS FUND.� (a)� Defines "fund."

 

(b)� Provides that the Quantum University and Business Innovation for Texas Fund (fund) is created as a dedicated account within the general revenue fund.� Provides that the fund consists of certain monies.

 

(c)� Authorizes the governor's office to invest money from the fund or use money in the fund to:

 

(1)� provide matching funding to state entities, including institutions of higher education, for quantum manufacturing and design projects;

 

(2)� award grants to business entities to encourage economic development related to quantum manufacturing and design projects; and

 

(3)� pay for staff support services described by Section 481.683(b).

 

(d) Authorizes matching funding to state entities for quantum manufacturing and design projects to come from any lawful source, including general revenue, local bonds, grants, or other money from the United States, or private endowments.

 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.