H.B. No. 5246, introduced by Bonnen, seeks to revise the Texas Space Commission's administration, powers, and duties related to aerospace, aviation, and space exploration. The bill amends the Government Code to replace references to "space-related" activities with "aerospace-related" and "aviation-related" activities, while abolishing the spaceport trust fund to redirect focus towards ongoing projects. The responsibilities of the aerospace and aviation office are expanded to include analyzing research, developing strategic plans for industry growth, and collaborating with educational institutions to foster technological advancement. Additionally, the bill establishes a nine-member board of directors for the Texas Space Commission, emphasizing the need for members with experience in the commercial space industry and governmental operations.

The legislation also creates the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, redesignating the previous Subchapter G as Chapter 483, and outlines grant award procedures, including rules for awarding grants and prohibiting grants to applicants who have made gifts to the commission or related nonprofits within the last two years. The consortium will be administratively attached to the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station for funding purposes, although the station will not provide administrative support. The bill mandates the executive committee to develop a strategic plan and submit biennial reports to the commission. It also stipulates the abolition of the spaceport trust fund by September 1, 2025, with its balance transferred to the general revenue fund, while ensuring existing contracts remain valid. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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 482, Government Code 481)