ARIZONA STATE SENATE

LIAM MAHER

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

RESEARCH STAFF

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

DATE:            February 16, 2024

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to S.B. 1684, relating to appropriation; space accelerator

Purpose

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state General Fund (state GF) in FY 2025 to Arizona State University (ASU) to support the Interplanetary Initiative. 

Background

The Interplanetary Initiative at ASU is research to investigate, design and communicate human space futures and space exploration. The interplanetary laboratory is used by student clubs, larger faculty research missions and external corporate partner collaborations (ASU).

The strike-everything amendment to S.B. 1684 appropriates $3,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2025 to ASU.

Provisions

1. Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2025 to ASU to support the Interplanetary Initiative.

2. Allows the appropriated monies to be used for interdisciplinary research projects in the field of space exploration, including technological advancement, innovation and any other activities reasonably necessary to support the space industry.

3. Allows the appropriated monies to develop and promote space-related industry in Arizona that:

a) facilitates collaboration among academic researchers, space industry leaders, emerging companies and government officials that includes public-private partnerships, cross-sector research teams, networking events and workshops;

b) provides business development services, technical support, assistance securing investment capital and other resources to emerging companies in the space industry;

c) allows public-private partnerships, space industry leaders and emerging companies to access university facilities and equipment that are necessary for space-related research projects; and

d) provides workforce development and education in space-related disciplines.

4. Requires ASU, by December 31, 2027, to submit a report to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Governor and provide a copy to the Secretary of State on the impact of the Interplanetary Initiative at ASU.

5. Requires the report to include a:

a) description of the research projects, technological advancements and innovations that received monies; and

b) summary of the economic impact in Arizona of the Interplanetary Initiative with prescribed information.

6. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.

7. Reverts all unexpended and unencumbered monies on July 1, 2027, to the state GF.

8. Becomes effective on the general effective date.