89R10615 ANG-F
By: Lopez of Cameron H.B. No. 4661
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the closure of beaches for space flight activities;
creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 61.132, Natural Resources Code, is
amended by amending Subsection (c) and adding Subsection (g) to
read as follows:
(c) To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the
commissioners court by order:
(1) shall compel the evacuation of any unauthorized
person from a hazard area, as calculated by the Federal Aviation
Administration under 14 C.F.R. Section 450.133(c), on a launch
date; and
(2) may temporarily close a beach in reasonable
proximity to the launch site or access points to the beach in the
county on a primary or backup launch date, subject to Subsection
(d).
(g) A person commits an offense if the person violates an
order adopted under Subsection (c)(1). An offense under this
subsection is a Class B misdemeanor, except that the offense is a
Class A misdemeanor if the actor has previously been convicted of an
offense under this subsection.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2025.