The bill, S.B. No. 1198, seeks to designate spaceports as critical infrastructure facilities under Texas law, thereby extending certain protections related to criminal and civil liability. It amends Section 424.001 of the Government Code to include specific definitions and criteria for what constitutes a critical infrastructure facility. Notably, the bill adds provisions that define spaceports as properties or facilities used for the launch, landing, or recovery of spacecraft, provided they are licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration or operated by a spaceport development corporation. Additionally, it includes properties or facilities under construction and the associated equipment as part of this designation.

The bill also clarifies that the changes in law will only apply to offenses and causes of action that occur on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. Offenses or causes of action that arise before this date will continue to be governed by the existing law. This ensures a clear transition between the old and new legal frameworks regarding the designation of spaceports as critical infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 424.001 (Government Code 424)