Bill > HB4661

This bill amends the Natural Resources Code to enhance safety measures for space flight activities in coastal areas of Texas. Specifically, the bill requires county commissioners courts to compel the evacuation of unauthorized persons from hazard areas as calculated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on launch dates. The bill also authorizes commissioners courts to temporarily close beaches near launch sites or their access points. Importantly, the bill creates a new criminal offense for individuals who violate the evacuation order, with penalties ranging from a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense to a Class A misdemeanor for repeat offenders. The bill aims to protect public health, safety, and welfare during space flight activities by creating a legal mechanism to clear potentially dangerous areas around launch sites. The legislation would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or otherwise on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4661