HB2780 proposes the creation of the Arizona Space Commission, which will be governed by a 9-member board appointed by the Governor. The board members should have experience in various sectors related to aerospace, including commercial and military aerospace, civil aviation, space economic development, academic research, nonprofit support, real estate, and finance. The Commission will have a Director and staff to carry out its duties, which include directing Commission activities, establishing goals, identifying research and funding opportunities, promoting workforce training, and soliciting proposals for funding and research.

The bill also establishes the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund, which will consist of legislative appropriations, gifts, grants, and donations. The Fund is continuously appropriated and can be used to provide grants to businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities involved in the space exploration or aeronautics industry. The Board will administer the Fund, with up to 10% of the monies used for administrative costs. The bill appropriates $2,000,000 from the state General Fund to the Fund for FY 2025 and exempts this appropriation from lapsing. The Commission is set to terminate on July 1, 2032, and its governing statutes will be repealed on January 1, 2032.

Additionally, the bill includes a technical correction to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding military support special license plates, changing the term "veterans' donation fund" to "veterans' donations fund" in the relevant sections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-2428