H.B. No. 5246 seeks to enhance the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium by broadening their focus to include aerospace and aviation initiatives, rather than solely space-related activities. The bill abolishes the spaceport trust fund and shifts the responsibilities of the aerospace and aviation office to promote investment in these sectors, moving away from support for spaceports. It also restructures the governance of the Texas Space Commission, establishing a board of directors with nine appointed members, and expands the commission's purpose to include innovation in space exploration and integration of these industries into the state's economy.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for closed meetings regarding grant applications and military aerospace issues, allowing discussions to remain confidential when necessary. It updates the strategic planning process for space and aeronautics economic development to a biennial schedule and expands the use of the space exploration and aeronautics research fund for workforce training and infrastructure development. The Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium is established as an advisory committee to identify research opportunities, and the bill outlines the executive committee's duties, including the ability to accept donations. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the expiration and reappointment of current advisory committee members.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 481.0066, Government Code 482.101, Government Code 482.103, Government Code 482.105, Government Code 482.107, Government Code 482.201, Government Code 482.302, Government Code 482.501, Government Code 481.0069 (Government Code 481, Government Code 482)
House Committee Report: Government Code 481.0066, Government Code 482.101, Government Code 482.103, Government Code 482.105, Government Code 482.107, Government Code 482.201, Government Code 482.302, Government Code 482.501, Government Code 481.0069 (Government Code 481, Government Code 482)
Engrossed: Government Code 481.0066, Government Code 482.101, Government Code 482.103, Government Code 482.105, Government Code 482.107, Government Code 482.201, Government Code 482.301, Government Code 482.302, Government Code 482.501, Government Code 482.505, Government Code 481.0069 (Government Code 481, Government Code 482)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 481.0066, Government Code 482.001, Government Code 482.101, Government Code 482.103, Government Code 482.105, Government Code 482.107, Government Code 482.201, Government Code 482.301, Government Code 482.302, Government Code 482.501, Government Code 482.505, Government Code 481.0069 (Government Code 481, Government Code 482)
Enrolled: Government Code 481.0066, Government Code 482.001, Government Code 482.101, Government Code 482.103, Government Code 482.105, Government Code 482.107, Government Code 482.201, Government Code 482.301, Government Code 482.302, Government Code 482.501, Government Code 482.505, Government Code 481.0069 (Government Code 481, Government Code 482)