H.B. No. 4660 amends the Government Code and the Natural Resources Code to establish jurisdiction and regulations regarding space flight activities in Texas. A new section, 482.002, is added to clarify that space flight activities fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government and the state, prohibiting local governments from enacting measures that restrict or regulate these activities. Additionally, the bill modifies Section 61.132 to define "spaceport" and outlines the conditions under which counties and municipalities can close beaches for space flight activities.

The bill specifies that only certain counties and municipalities, particularly those bordering the Gulf of Mexico and with approved launch sites, can enact beach closures related to space flight activities. It requires that any planned space flight activities be communicated to the relevant local governing bodies, and it mandates public notice of beach closures at least 48 hours in advance. The bill also establishes that if there is a conflict between municipal ordinances and county orders 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)