Bill > HB5246

This bill proposes significant changes to Texas's space and aerospace governance, focusing on updating the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium. The bill broadens the scope of space-related activities from primarily aerospace to explicitly include space exploration, commercial space, and related industries. Key provisions include expanding the Texas Space Commission's board to nine voting members, allowing the commission to procure space-related vehicles and equipment, and establishing new rules for grant applications and funding. The bill also abolishes the existing spaceport trust fund, transferring its remaining balance to the general revenue fund, and clarifies the consortium's role as an advisory committee to the commission. Additionally, the bill allows for closed meetings to discuss sensitive grant applications, defense and military aerospace issues, and provides more flexibility in funding and supporting space-related research, economic development, and infrastructure projects. The changes aim to strengthen Texas's position in the space and aerospace industries by creating more robust mechanisms for research, investment, and strategic planning.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5246