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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
health
care decisions; living wills
(NOW: Arizona space commission; research fund)
Purpose
Establishes the Arizona Space Commission (Commission) and the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (Fund) with the purpose of identifying research and funding opportunities within Arizona that enhance Arizona's position in civil, commercial and military aeronautics research and development and space flight infrastructure.
Background
Arizona previously established a Commission in 1991 that was designated as Arizona's sole coordinator of all space-related commercial and high technological partnerships. The Commission was required to: 1) provide technical support to the Department of Commerce, local and regional industrial development organizations, local agencies and other groups concerning infrastructure improvements and any other projects designated by the Governor; 2) provide expertise and advice to Arizona regarding all space-related and high technological business matters; 3) prepare a plan that addresses the development of space-related industry in Arizona; and 4) develop goals and objectives, establish guidelines, recommend legislation and provide general direction regarding Arizona's interests in space-related commerce (Laws 1991, Ch. 118). The Commission was terminated on July 1, 2011 (Laws 2001, Ch. 29).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
Arizona Space Commission
1. Establishes the Commission to be governed by a Board of Directors (Board) consisting of:
a) five members who are appointed by the Governor;
b) three members who are appointed by the President of the Senate; and
c) three members who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
2. Requires, when making the appointments to the Board, priority to be given to individuals with experience in any of the following:
a) commercial aerospace;
b) civil aviation;
c) military aerospace;
d) space economic development;
e) space-related academic research;
f) nonprofit space economy support;
g) real estate; or
h) finance.
3. Requires the initial members to assign themselves by lot to terms of two, four and six years in office.
4. Requires all vacancies to be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment within 30 days after the vacancy.
5. Requires the Board to:
a) elect a chairperson from among the members of the Board;
b) direct the activities of, establish goals for and provide oversight of the Commission;
c) establish standards to ensure the proper use of fund monies;
d) identify research and funding opportunities within Arizona that do the following:
i. strengthen and enhance Arizona's position in civil, commercial and military aeronautics research and development and space flight infrastructure;
ii. enhance the integration of the space aeronautics, astronautics and aviation industries in Arizona; and
iii. promote and research materials derived from or developed through space exploration and space flight;
e) promote and assist developing workforce training to advance emerging technologies required for all aspects of space exploration; and
f) solicit proposals for funding and research opportunities related to the outlined objectives.
6. Allows the Board to:
a) appoint an ad hoc advisory committee as necessary to carry out the Board's duties;
b) acquire and convey property or an interest in property in Arizona; and
c) engage in planning and implementing of aerospace-related educational opportunities in Arizona.
7. Requires the Arizona Commerce Authority to provide staff support to the Commission.
8. Requires the Commission to develop and annually update a strategic plan for promoting and expanding space, aeronautics and aviation in Arizona, including a list of potential projects to further the purposes of the Commission.
9. Requires the Commission to include both of the following for each potential project:
a) the estimated total cost for the project, including any available matching state monies; and
b) an assessment of the availability of external funding sources.
10. Requires the Board to conduct a hearing to review and amend or approve the strategic plan.
11. Requires the Commission, by December 31 of each year, to submit the strategic plan to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund
12. Establishes the Fund consisting of legislative appropriations and gifts, grants and donations.
13. Stipulates that monies in the Fund are continuously appropriated.
14. Requires the Board to administer the Fund.
15. Allows the Board to use up to 10 percent of the monies for administrative costs.
16. Allows monies in the Fund to be used to provide grants to businesses or nonprofit organizations in Arizona that are involved in the space exploration or aeronautics industry or to a governmental entity with which the Board has entered into a intergovernmental agreement.
17. Requires the Grant monies to be used for any of the following purposes:
a) developing emerging technologies that are required for any aspect of human space flight;
b) research involving space exploration and space flight;
c) workforce training to promote space exploration and space flight;
d) curating post-mission materials involved in space exploration and space flight; or
e) developing infrastructure that is necessary for establishing and maintaining a spaceport.
18. Allows the Board to also provide grants for multiyear projects.
19. Requires the Board to specify the total amount of monies approved to fund each multiyear project.
20. Requires the Board to prioritize providing grants for projects that are any of the following:
a) located within 50 miles of a federal aviation administration-licensed spaceport;
b) space defense-related; or
c) space defense and commercial use-related.
21. Requires the Board to establish standards to ensure that grant recipients purchase goods and services from suppliers in Arizona to the extent reasonably possible.
22. Requires each grant recipient to submit a report to the Board that describes how grant monies were spent and a summary of any findings.
23. Requires the Board to prescribe a simplified form and procedure to apply for grants.
Miscellaneous
24. Defines terms.
25. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
APPROP 2/19/24 DPA/SE 15-1-0-1
3rd Read 2/29/24 47-12-0-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 11, 2024
ZD/SB/cs