AL SB17

Creates the Alabama Space Authority as an office within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to promote space exploration and spaceport technology development.

Authority membership consists of directors of the Alabama Department of Commerce, ADECA, and Department of Transportation, plus six additional members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tempore.

Authority duties include securing federal approval for a spaceport, developing spaceport facilities, sponsoring aerospace conferences and business roundtables, and promoting space tourism and education.

Authority has powers to borrow money, issue bonds, acquire property, lease facilities, and manage space-related activities and infrastructure development.

Members serve without compensation but receive per diem and travel expense reimbursement at the same rate as state employees; the authority cannot be dissolved while holding outstanding bonds or debt.