H.B. No. 4157 aims to enhance liability protections for commercial space flight and exploration in Texas. The bill amends the definition of "space flight participant" by removing the specification that such individuals are not crew members. It also modifies the requirements for enforceable agreements between space flight participants and entities, eliminating the need for a signature from a competent witness and adding that the agreement must be signed on behalf of the participant and their heirs.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section that recognizes the enforceability of reciprocal waivers of claims between parties involved in space flight activities, as outlined in federal regulations. This provision allows for waivers by contractors, subcontractors, or customers participating in space flight activities. The changes will apply only to causes of action that arise on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, ensuring that any claims accruing before this date will be governed by the previous law.

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