HB176 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Howard Sanderford
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Space, Alabama Space Authority, created within Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, membership and powers
Summary: HB176 creates the Alabama Space Authority within ADECA to promote space technology development, education, and a feasibility study for a state spaceport.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Alabama Space Authority inside ADECA to promote research and development in space exploration technologies, and to sponsor conferences and business roundtables related to aerospace. It also directs the authority to promote space exploration activities and to study the feasibility of Alabama obtaining a federally licensed spaceport. The authority will include representatives from major universities and state agencies, plus industry and space-technology interests, and it can borrow money, acquire property, and lease facilities to carry out its work. ADECA provides initial funding support and, after grant funding is obtained, ongoing administrative support for the authority.

Who It Affects
Universities and state agencies involved in space initiatives in Alabama (e.g., University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University Aviation Center, Alabama A&M University, Alabama Department of Commerce, ADECA, Alabama Department of Transportation, the Governor, and the Legislature) who will participate in or influence the authority’s activities.
Aerospace and space-related industries, entrepreneurs, investors, and local governments (including municipalities, counties, and airport authorities) who could benefit from spaceport development, public lands use for space activities, and related economic development initiatives.

Key Provisions
Establishes the Alabama Space Authority as part of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) with the purpose of promoting space research, development, and spaceport technologies.
Defines the authority's composition, including representatives from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University Aviation Center, Alabama A&M University, ADECA, the Alabama Department of Commerce, ALDOT, the Governor, the Legislature, and six other members from aerospace/space interests, with specific appointment rules.
Provides that ADECA will supply initial support to apply for grant funding and will provide ongoing administrative support once grant funding is received.
Lists duties such as promoting aerospace education/training, advancing space exploration and spaceport technologies, sponsoring conferences, leveraging public-private partnerships, proposing economic development initiatives, developing terrestrial test facilities, and conducting a feasibility study for a federally licensed Alabama spaceport.
Authorizes the authority to acquire, hold, and manage property; borrow money and issue bonds; and lease facilities to support its purposes.
Allows municipalities and counties to continue pursuing aerospace and spaceport infrastructure independently and clarifies the authority’s powers are separate from other public entities.
States the authority cannot be dissolved while it has outstanding bonds or unpaid debt and that members are not compensated but may be reimbursed for per diem and travel costs.

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