S.B. No. 1197 amends the Texas Penal Code to include regulations regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft over spaceports, in addition to existing provisions for airports and military installations. The bill defines "spaceport" as any property or facility used for the launch, landing, recovery, or testing of spacecraft, which is licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration or operated by a spaceport development corporation. The heading of Section 42.15 is updated to reflect this inclusion, and new language is added to specify that operating an unmanned aircraft over a spaceport is subject to the same legal restrictions as those for airports and military installations.

The bill establishes that a person commits an offense if they intentionally or knowingly operate an unmanned aircraft over a spaceport, allow it to make contact with a spaceport, or interfere with its operations. Several defenses to prosecution are outlined, including actions taken by government entities, law enforcement, or individuals with proper authorization from the spaceport's owner or operator. The changes in law will apply only to offenses committed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 42.15 (Penal Code 42)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 42.15 (Penal Code 42)
Engrossed: Penal Code 42.15 (Penal Code 42)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 42.15 (Penal Code 42)
Enrolled: Penal Code 42.15 (Penal Code 42)