S.B. No. 1198 amends the Government Code to designate spaceports as critical infrastructure facilities, thereby extending criminal and civil liability protections to them. The bill expands the definition of "critical infrastructure facility" to include properties related to the operation of launch complexes authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as facilities used for the launch, landing, recovery, or testing of spacecraft. Additionally, it includes properties, facilities, or pipelines that are under construction, along with all equipment and appurtenances used during that construction.

The changes in law introduced by this bill will only apply to offenses and causes of action that occur on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. Offenses or causes of action that accrued before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law. The bill passed both the Senate and the House with significant support, indicating a strong legislative consensus on the importance of protecting spaceports as critical infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 424.001 (Government Code 424)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 424.001 (Government Code 424)
Engrossed: Government Code 424.001 (Government Code 424)
House Committee Report: Government Code 424.001 (Government Code 424)
Enrolled: Government Code 424.001 (Government Code 424)