TX HB5246

Refocuses the Texas Space Commission's mission from general "aerospace" to specifically "outer space" and "commercial space" activities, while removing aviation from its scope and extending the commission's sunset date from September 1, 2032 to September 1, 2033

Abolishes the spaceport trust fund and transfers its balance to the general revenue fund, while preserving existing contracts with spaceport development corporations and allowing return of donated funds to original donors upon request

Adds the executive director of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office as an ex officio nonvoting member of the commission's board and authorizes the board to employ a general counsel

Grants the commission new powers including authority to temporarily close highways and venues (with municipal approval) for space-related promotional activities, procure capacity on spacefaring vehicles, enter intergovernmental agreements with federal agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense, and conduct closed meetings on certain grant applications and defense-related matters

Restructures the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium as an advisory committee to the commission board, changes its administrative attachment from the governor's office to the commission, and requires participating institutions of higher education to designate local campus liaisons