H.B. No. 4660 aims to establish jurisdiction over space flight activities in Texas by amending the Government Code and the Natural Resources Code. The bill introduces Section 482.002, which clarifies that space flight activities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of both 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 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.

Additionally, the bill specifies the procedures for notifying local governing bodies about planned space flight activities and the requirements for closing beaches or access points to the beach. It mandates that public notice of any closures must be provided at least 48 hours in advance. The bill also establishes that if there is a conflict between municipal ordinances and orders from the commissioners court regarding beach closures, the municipal ordinance will take precedence. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 61.132 (Natural Resources Code 61)