Bill > HB2973

This bill expands the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" under Texas law to include spaceports that are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or operated by a spaceport development corporation. Specifically, the bill adds a new category to the existing list of critical infrastructure facilities, which already included pipelines, airports, and military installations, to now encompass any property or facility used for launching, landing, or recovering spacecraft. This change has potential legal implications for criminal and civil liability related to such facilities. The bill clarifies that the new definition applies only to offenses and causes of action occurring on or after September 1, 2025, meaning that previous legal standards will continue to govern any incidents that happened before that date. By including spaceports in the critical infrastructure designation, the bill provides additional legal protections and potentially increases penalties for actions that might interfere with or damage these facilities, reflecting the growing importance of aerospace infrastructure in Texas.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2973