S.B. No. 2188 aims to establish jurisdiction and regulatory frameworks for space flight activities in Texas. It introduces a new section, 482.002, to the Government Code, which clarifies that space flight activities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of both the federal government and the state. The bill prohibits counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions from enacting measures that would ban, limit, or regulate these activities, except as specified in Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code. This section is also amended to define "spaceport" and outlines the conditions under which counties and municipalities can close beaches for space flight activities, including the requirement for public notice prior to any closures.

Additionally, the bill specifies that municipalities and counties must adhere to certain environmental and safety regulations when closing beaches for space flight activities. It mandates that any beach closures must comply with the Federal Aviation Administration's environmental evaluations and local beach access plans. The bill also establishes a process for municipalities and counties to coordinate with the land office regarding beach closures and includes provisions for public notification of such closures. The act 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)