SB64 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
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: SB64 creates the Alabama Space Authority within ADECA to promote space exploration, develop a spaceport in Alabama, and coordinate related research, training, and economic development.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Alabama Space Authority within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). It sets duties to promote space exploration and spaceport technologies, sponsor conferences and roundtables, and work toward obtaining a federally licensed spaceport and developing spaceport facilities in Alabama. It gives the Authority power to borrow money, acquire land, and lease facilities, and to engage in public-private partnerships and tax or business initiatives to spur economic development. It is governed by a nine-member board including state agency directors and appointments by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and legislative leaders, and its initial funding support comes from ADECA.

Who It Affects
Aerospace, aviation, and related industries, plus educators, researchers, and students: they would participate in conferences, training, and development activities, and benefit from spaceport-related opportunities.
State government, local landowners, taxpayers, investors, and the public: they would be affected by the potential issuance of bonds, acquisition and leasing of land for space activities, and public messages about space tourism and economic development.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Space Authority within ADECA.
Composition includes the Directors of Commerce, ADECA, and ALDOT, plus six members from aerospace/space sectors or knowledgeable about space, with appointments by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Duties include securing approval for a federally licensed spaceport, developing a spaceport (state, private, or public-private), leasing spaceport facilities, promoting education/training for aerospace professionals, promoting space exploration and spaceport technologies, and sponsoring conferences and business roundtables.
Powers include borrowing money and issuing bonds, acquiring and holding property, and leasing facilities as needed.
Authority cannot be dissolved while it has outstanding bonds or debts.
Authority members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed per diem and travel expenses.
ADECA provides initial grant-funding support and then ongoing administrative support once grants are secured.
Effective immediately following approval by the Governor.

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