ATLANTA – State Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) recently filed House Bill 734, the Georgia Spaceflight Act (GSA), yesterday during the second day of the 2016 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. The bill would make Georgia more competitive with neighboring states in the space industry.
“The Georgia Spaceflight Act will enable the state of Georgia to compete with established great space states like Texas and Florida in order to attract and retain the commercial space industry,” said Rep. Spencer. “Over the past five years, Camden County, Georgia has been preparing for the day when we make history in the newly written chapters of the revitalized space race. That day is coming soon.”
The GSA is modeled after the Texas law, Limited Liability for Space Flight Activities, and defines procedures for spaceflight activity. The bill limits a willing space flight participant’s ability to sue for damages related to spaceflight activities for which the participant must give informed consent. In addition, the bill prevents spaceflight activities from being stopped through civil actions related to noise or nuisance complaints. The GSA does not protect against injuries suffered by non-consenting third parties, with exception to noise and nuisance protections.
“A commercial spaceport would result in significant economic development for Southeast Georgia and the coastal region in the form of jobs and tourism,” added Rep. Spencer. “In addition, if the launch site were built, commercial space companies could invest in related projects, such as manufacturing its rocket engines in Southeast Georgia to shorten transport distance.”
According to the Space Foundation’s 2015 economic report, the global economic activity of the commercial space industry totaled $330 billion in 2014. With an 18% increase for the year, the commercial infrastructure and support industry had the largest growth of all space products and services.
“In 2015, Georgia lost a $200 million investment opportunity from Blue Origin to the state of Florida on an economic development project called ‘Project Panther,’” said Rep. Spencer. “Simply put, the Georgia site in coastal Camden County was not ready. However, with the efforts and relentless pursuit of the Camden County Commissioners, we are closer to becoming ready and the Georgia Spaceflight Act aims to make that happen.”
For more information on HB 734, please click here.
Representative Jason Spencer represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden, Charlton, and Ware counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Special Rules Committee. He also serves on the Game Fish & Parks, Human Relations & Aging, and Juvenile Justice committees.
###