The bill, S.B. No. 2188, aims to regulate space flight activities in Texas by establishing jurisdiction and procedures for closing certain areas, particularly beaches, during these activities. It introduces a new section, 482.002, to the Government Code, which clarifies that space flight activities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government and the state, prohibiting local governments from enacting measures that restrict these activities. Additionally, it amends Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code to specify the conditions under which counties and municipalities can close beaches for space flight activities, including the requirement for public notice and adherence to federal and local beach access plans.

Key amendments include the definition of "space flight activities" and "spaceport," as well as the stipulation that only certain counties and municipalities can enact closures based on specific criteria. The bill also outlines the process for notifying the public of beach closures and establishes that if there is a conflict between municipal ordinances and county orders regarding closures, the municipal ordinance will take precedence. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses 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)