🔴Relating to the designation of spaceports as critical infrastructure facilities for purposes of criminal and civil liability.

🔴 SB 1198: Expands “Critical Infrastructure” to Spaceports and Hazard Zones

What it says it does:
The bill says it protects Texas spaceports from trespassing, interference, or damage by making them part of the state’s critical infrastructure network, similar to oil refineries and power plants.

What it actually changes:
It rewrites the definition of “critical infrastructure” to include spaceport launch and test sites, their construction areas, and temporary hazard zones defined by operators or the FAA. These zones can shift over time, and being inside one could bring criminal penalties.

Who is pushing for it:
In the files, supporters include SpaceX, Houston Airport System, Texas Commercial Airports Association, Texas Association of Business, and the City of Houston.

Who benefits:
Commercial space operators, airports connected to spaceport activity, and local governments hosting spaceport projects gain broader protection and leverage. They can secure perimeters and reduce liability without new oversight requirements.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Residents, small businesses, and workers near these sites may not know when temporary hazard areas are active. Journalists and researchers could face risk if they enter shifting boundaries during launches or tests. Local law enforcement absorbs new enforcement duties without funding support.

Why this matters long term:
This bill sets a precedent for private and semi-private entities to create mobile zones where criminal penalties apply but public notice is not required. It tilts power toward operators while removing public transparency. Future industries could follow this model to secure similar legal shields.

What to watch next:
Watch for other industries or infrastructure projects asking to be added to the same “critical” category. Also track whether local communities receive clear hazard maps or notification systems to protect ordinary citizens from unintended violations.

Bottom line:
SB 1198 strengthens legal protection for space companies but weakens public visibility and local control. It gives industry more authority to define danger zones while leaving Texans uncertain about where those zones begin or end.

Questions to ask lawmakers:

1. How will the public be clearly notified, with reliable maps and on-the-ground signs, when a temporary hazard area is active and where its exact boundaries are?
2. What safeguards will prevent this from being used to chill lawful activity like labor disputes, safety reporting, or newsgathering near construction and testing sites?
3. Would you support a required public reporting and review process that tracks enforcement actions tied to these expanded zones, so Texans can verify it is being used narrowly and fairly?


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