TITLE: Relating to the evacuation of unauthorized persons from a hazard area in connection with space flight activities; creating a criminal offense.

SUMMARY: Relating to the evacuation of unauthorized persons from a hazard area in connection with space flight activities; creating a criminal offense.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the evacuation of unauthorized persons from a hazard area in connection with space flight activities; creating a criminal offense. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 61.132, Natural Resources Code, is amended by adding Subsections (c-1) and (c-2) to read as follows: (c-1) To protect the public health, safety, and welfare: (1) the governing body of a municipality to which proposed primary and backup dates for space flight activities are submitted under Subsection (b)(1) by ordinance shall compel the evacuation of any unauthorized person from a hazard area, as calculated by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 C.F.R. Section 450.133(c), on the date on which space flight activities are conducted; and (2) a commissioners court to which proposed primary and backup dates for space flight activities are submitted under Subsection (b)(2) or (b-1) by order may compel the evacuation of any unauthorized person from a hazard area, as calculated by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 C.F.R. Section 450.133(c), on the date on which space flight activities are conducted. (c-2) A person commits an offense if the person violates an ordinance or order adopted under Subsection (c-1). An offense under this subsection is a Class Bmisdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the actor has previously been convicted of an offense under this subsection. SECTION 2. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section: (1) this Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution; and (2) if this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.