The text as introduced · 336 words
89R12169 MZM-F
By: Bonnen
H.B. No. 4157
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to liability protections for commercial space flight and
exploration.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 100A.001(5), Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, is amended to read as follows:
(5) "Space flight participant" means an individual[ ,
who is not crew, ] carried aboard a spacecraft, launch vehicle, or
reentry vehicle.
SECTION 2. Section 100A.003(b), Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b) An agreement under Subsection (a) is considered
effective and enforceable if it is:
(1) in writing;
(2) in a document separate from any other agreement
between the space flight participant and the space flight entity
other than a different warning, consent, or assumption of risk
statement;
(3) printed in not less than 10-point bold type; and
(4) signed by the space flight participant on behalf
of the space flight participant and any heirs, executors,
administrators, representatives, attorneys, successors, and
assignees of the space flight participant[ ; and
[ (5) signed by a competent witness ].
SECTION 3. Chapter 100A, Civil Practice and Remedies Code,
is amended by adding Section 100A.005 to read as follows:
Sec. 100A.005. RECOGNITION OF RECIPROCAL WAIVER OF CLAIMS.
A reciprocal waiver of claims between parties engaged in space
flight activities under the Federal Aviation Regulations in 14
C.F.R. Section 440.17 is effective and enforceable in this state,
including a waiver by a contractor, subcontractor, or customer of
any party participating in a space flight activity.
SECTION 4. The change in law made by this Act applies only
to a cause of action that accrues on or after the effective date of
this Act. A cause of action that accrues before the effective date
of this Act is governed by the law applicable to the cause of action
immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is
continued in effect for that purpose.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.
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