S.B. No. 2188 aims to regulate space flight activities in Texas, specifically addressing the jurisdiction and closure of certain areas for these activities. The bill introduces a new section, 482.002, to the Government Code, which establishes that space flight activities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government and the state of Texas. It prohibits counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions from enacting measures that would ban, limit, or regulate these activities, except as provided by existing law. Additionally, the bill amends Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code to clarify the conditions under which beaches can be closed for space flight activities, including the definition of "spaceport" and the requirements for municipalities and counties to follow when planning such closures.

The amendments specify that only certain counties and municipalities are eligible to close beaches for space flight activities, particularly those with approved launch sites and specific population criteria. The bill outlines the process for notifying the public about beach closures, mandates compliance with federal and local beach access plans, and establishes that municipal ordinances take precedence over county orders in case of conflict. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 61.132 (Natural Resources Code 61)
Senate Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 61.132 (Natural Resources Code 61)
Engrossed: Natural Resources Code 61.132 (Natural Resources Code 61)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 61.132 (Natural Resources Code 61)