BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2230
89R10615 ANG-F	By: Hinojosa, Adam
	Natural Resources
	3/14/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current law allows the Cameron County commissioners court to temporarily close beaches or restrict access during spaceflight launches to protect public safety. Any closures must comply with local beach access and dune protection plans, with the General Land Office having the authority to approve or deny requests, establish agreements with counties, and adopt rules governing beach closures.

S.B. 2230 provides that, at the time of a spaceflight launch, if deemed necessary by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the county must compel the evacuation of any unauthorized person from a hazard area.

S.B. 2230 amends Section 61.132 of the Natural Resources Code by modifying Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (g) to mandate evacuations when deemed necessary by the FAA and to establish a criminal penalty for violating evacuation orders.

As proposed, S.B. 2230 amends current law relating to the closure of beaches for space flight activities and creates a criminal offense.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 61.132, Natural Resources Code, by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (g), as follows:

(c) Provides that, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the commissioners court by order is:

(1) required to 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 a launch date; and

(2) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes no further changes.

(g) Provides that a person commits an offense if the person violates an order adopted under Subsection (c)(1). Provides that an offense under this subsection is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the actor has previously been convicted of an offense under this subsection.

SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.