HB 2254 Summary

• Establishes the Arizona Space Commission governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the governor (3 members), president of the senate (3 members), and speaker of the house (1 member).

• Board members prioritize individuals with experience in commercial aerospace, civil aviation, military aerospace, space economic development, academic research, or related fields; those with master's degrees or higher in space-related disciplines; and those from early-stage space technology startups.

• Creates the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund consisting of legislative appropriations and donations, with the board administering funds and permitted to use up to 10 percent for administrative costs.

• Fund monies may be awarded as grants to businesses, nonprofits, or governmental entities for emerging technology development, space exploration research, workforce training, post-mission material curation, and spaceport infrastructure.

• Board must develop and annually update a strategic plan for promoting space, aeronautics, and aviation in Arizona, submitting the plan to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2024 and every even-numbered year thereafter.