SB378 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Bill Holtzclaw

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Space, Alabama Space Authority created, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Alabama Development Office, Alabama Department of Transportation, Governors office, Legislature, promote space exploration

Summary

Creates the Alabama Space Authority within ADECA to promote space exploration, spaceport development, and related economic activity in Alabama with a diverse board including state officials and industry representatives.

What This Bill Does

Establishes the Alabama Space Authority within ADECA. The Authority can develop and lease a spaceport in Alabama, support education and training for aerospace professionals, and promote space technologies and space tourism across public and private sectors. It has power to borrow money, issue bonds, and acquire or lease property for space-related purposes. ADECA provides initial support for grant funding and will provide administrative support if grants are obtained.

Who It Affects

• Aerospace, aviation, and related industries in Alabama — opportunities through conferences, networking, spaceport development, and potential partnerships.
• Alabama residents and taxpayers — potential benefits from economic growth, job opportunities, and educational programs related to space activities; may be affected by public lands or infrastructure efforts tied to space projects.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Space Authority within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to promote space exploration, spaceport technologies, and related economic activities.
• Defines the Authority's composition: the heads of Commerce, ADECA, and Transportation, the Lieutenant Governor, and six other members appointed by various leaders, with four legislative members appointed by the Speaker and the President Pro Tempore and a party balance of two Democrats and two Republicans.
• Puts the Authority as an ADECA office with initial grant funding support from ADECA; administrative support provided upon grant funding.
• Authorizes duties including developing or operating a spaceport (state, private, or public-private), leasing spaceport facilities, promoting education and training, promoting space exploration and tourism, sponsoring conferences, and fostering public-private partnerships.
• Gives the Authority powers to borrow money, issue bonds (and refunding bonds), acquire property, hold title, and lease facilities with the ability to set rents.
• Prohibits other state entities from exercising these powers, making the Authority the sole body with these authorities.
• Prohibits dissolution while the Authority has outstanding bonds or debt.
• Requires Authority members to serve without compensation but may receive per diem and travel reimbursements under state rules.
• Requires the Authority to reflect the state's diversity in race, gender, geography, urban/rural status, and economy.
• Takes effect immediately after passage and approval by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alabama Space Authority