HB4157 - Relating to liability protections for commercial space flight and exploration.

      H.B. No. 4157         AN ACT   relating to liability protections for commercial space flight and   exploration.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 100A.001(5), Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:                (5)  "Space flight participant" means an individual[ ,   who is not crew, ] carried aboard a spacecraft, launch vehicle, or   reentry vehicle.          SECTION 2.  Section 100A.003(b), Civil Practice and Remedies   Code, is amended to read as follows:          (b)  An agreement under Subsection (a) is considered   effective and enforceable if it is:                (1)  in writing;                (2)  in a document separate from any other agreement   between the space flight participant and the space flight entity   other than a different warning, consent, or assumption of risk   statement;                (3)  printed in not less than 10-point bold type; and                (4)  signed by the space flight participant on behalf   of the space flight participant and any heirs, executors,   administrators, representatives, attorneys, successors, and   assignees of the space flight participant[ ; and                [ (5)  signed by a competent witness ].          SECTION 3.  Chapter 100A, Civil Practice and Remedies Code,   is amended by adding Section 100A.005 to read as follows:           Sec.   100A.005.     RECOGNITION OF RECIPROCAL WAIVER OF CLAIMS.   A reciprocal waiver of claims between parties engaged in space   flight activities under the Federal Aviation Regulations in 14   C.F.R. Section 440.17 is effective and enforceable in this state,   including a waiver by a contractor, subcontractor, or customer of   any party participating in a space flight activity.            SECTION 4.  The change in law made by this Act applies only   to a cause of action that accrues on or after the effective date of   this Act.  A cause of action that accrues before the effective date   of this Act is governed by the law applicable to the cause of action   immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that law is   continued in effect for that purpose.          SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.B. No. 4157 was passed by the House on May   10, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 125, Nays 5, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.B. No. 4157 was passed by the Senate on May   27, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 28, Nays 3.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate       APPROVED:  _____________________                      Date                           _____________________                    Governor