Senate Bill 228 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Space Authority, renamed Alabama Aerospace Authority; membership increased; duties and powers increased

Summary

SB228 renames the Alabama Space Authority to the Alabama Aerospace and Defense Authority, expands its membership, and broadens its duties and powers to advance aerospace, space, and defense initiatives in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

It changes the name effective October 1, 2026, with continuity of rights and references. It adds a broader board that includes university representatives, state agency heads, industry members, and an ex officio nonvoting member from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission. It expands duties to promote aerospace education, space exploration, spaceport technologies, private investment and public-private partnerships, and to study spaceport feasibility, coordinate with public agencies, and support space research and training. It also grants power to acquire property, lease facilities, adopt bylaws, enter into contracts, and accept gifts to carry out these purposes.

Who It Affects

• Universities and their leadership (e.g., University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University Aviation Center, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University) through representation on the authority and influence on aerospace projects
• State agencies (Department of Commerce, Economic and Community Affairs, Transportation, Workforce) via appointment of their directors/secretaries as members
• Aerospace, aviation, and related industries and investors who may gain voice on the board and potential access to incentives, partnerships, and spaceport initiatives
• U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission (via its chief executive officer as an ex officio nonvoting member) and its affiliate programs
• General public and local economy through potential spaceport development, tourism, and private investment incentives

Key Provisions

• Renames the Alabama Space Authority to the Alabama Aerospace and Defense Authority on October 1, 2026 and maintains continuity of rights and references
• Expands the authority's board composition to include university representatives, major state agency directors, five industry members appointed by governor/House speaker/Senate president pro tempore, and an ex officio nonvoting member from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission
• Outlines duties to promote aerospace education, space exploration and spaceport technologies, sponsor events, encourage venture capital and public-private partnerships, propose economic initiatives, study spaceport feasibility, and collaborate with public agencies
• Powers to acquire property, lease facilities, adopt bylaws and policies, enter into contracts and agreements, and accept gifts or grants to support its goals
• Allows for operating procedures and committees to manage the authority's work, including possible nonmember involvement

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 4, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions