SB142 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
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: The bill creates the Alabama Space Authority within ADECA to promote space research, spaceport technology, and related economic development in Alabama.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Alabama Space Authority as part of ADECA, defines its diverse membership including state officials, lawmakers, industry representatives, and aerospace engineering deans, and assigns it duties to develop a spaceport, promote education and industry, sponsor conferences, and attract investment. It grants the Authority powers to borrow money, acquire property, and lease facilities, with requirements for public lands and coordination with tourism and education groups. The bill also sets governance rules, including a diversity mandate, and states the Authority becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Aerospace and related industries in Alabama — the new Authority would promote spaceport development, conferences, partnerships, and potential economic opportunities that could lead to jobs and investment.
Universities with aerospace engineering programs (and their students) — deans from these universities are required to serve on the Authority, influencing workforce development, education, and training initiatives.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Space Authority within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
Authority composition includes the Director of the Department of Commerce, the Director of ADECA, the Director of ALDOT, the Lieutenant Governor, and six other members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate, with gender, race, and geographic diversity requirements; the dean of engineering from each Alabama university with an aerospace engineering program serves on the Authority.
Requires diversity in appointive membership and ensures representation from both major political parties on legislative appointments.
Duties include developing a spaceport (state/private/public-private facility), leasing space, promoting aerospace education and training, advancing space exploration and technology, sponsoring conferences, leveraging venture capital and public-private partnerships, and promoting space tourism and related economic activities.
Powers include borrowing money, issuing bonds and refunding bonds, acquiring property, and leasing facilities as needed.
Authority cannot be dissolved while it has outstanding debt; members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed per diem and travel expenses; diversity requirements apply to membership.
Effective immediately upon passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Alabama Space Authority