HR 3610 — American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 2019
Last action — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
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✓Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed House
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4Passed Senate
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there are no live odds of enactment. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.
Summary
American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 2019 This bill grants the Office of Space Commerce of the Department of Commerce the authority to issue certifications to U.S. nationals and nongovernmental entities for the operation of (1) specified human-made objects manufactured or assembled in outer space, including on the Moon and other celestial bodies, with or without human occupants, that were launched from Earth; and (2) all items carried on such objects that are intended for use in outer space. To be eligible for certification, each entity's application must include a space debris mitigation plan for the space objects. The office shall establish a Private Space Activity Advisory Committee to (1) analyze the status and recent developments of nongovernmental space activities, and (2) advise on matters relating to U.S. private sector activities in outer space. The bill authorizes the office to issue permits to persons for the operation of space-based remote sensing systems. The office shall establish an Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing to advise on matters relating to the U.S. commercial space-based remote sensing industry. The bill abolishes the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress a report on the removal of the Office of Commercial Space Transportation from under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration and reestablishing such office under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation.
Bill Text
- Introduced Introduced in House Current html July 02, 2019
Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.
The bill adds a new subtitle to title 51 of the United States Code specifically addressing the authorization and supervision of nongovernmental space activities.
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51 U.S.C. (new subtitle)
Subtitle VIII--Authorization and Supervision of Nongovernmental Space Activities
This adds a new subtitle specifically focused on the regulation of nongovernmental space activities.
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51 U.S.C. (new chapter)
CHAPTER 801--CERTIFICATION TO OPERATE SPACE OBJECTS
This introduces a new chapter concerning the certification required for operating space objects.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80101. Definitions.
This provides definitions specific to the new subtitle, clarifying terms used in the context of space activities.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80102. Certification authority.
This establishes the Secretary's authority to issue certifications for the operation of space objects.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80103. Certification application and requirements.
This outlines the process and requirements for submitting certification applications.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80104. Mitigation of space debris.
This addresses requirements related to the management and mitigation of space debris.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80105. Continuing certification requirements.
This establishes ongoing requirements for maintaining certification.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80106. Certification transfer.
This allows for the transfer of certifications between entities.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80107. Certification expiration and termination.
This details the conditions under which a certification may expire or be terminated.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80108. Existing license or pending application for launch or reentry.
This clarifies the status of existing licenses or applications in relation to new certifications.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80109. Private Space Activity Advisory Committee.
This establishes an advisory committee for private space activities.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80110. Exemptions.
This provides for certain exemptions from the general certification requirements.
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51 U.S.C. (new section)
Sec. 80111. Protecting the interests of United States entity space objects.
This section is focused on safeguarding the interests of U.S. entities operating in space.
Action History
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Introduced in House
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Introduced in House
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Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Sponsors
- Brian Babin · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Babin, Brian Republican
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (546)
546 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 546 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does HR 3610 do?
- American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act of 2019 This bill grants the Office of Space Commerce of the Department of Commerce the authority to issue certifications to U.S. nationals and nongovernmental entities for the operation of (1) specified human-made objects manufactured or assembled in outer space, including on the Moon and other celestial bodies, with or without human occupants, that were launched from Earth; and (2) all items carried on such objects that are intended for use in outer space. To be eligible for certification, each entity's application must include a space debris mitigation plan for the space objects. The office shall establish a Private Space Activity Advisory Committee to (1) analyze the status and recent developments of nongovernmental space activities, and (2) advise on matters relating to U.S. private sector activities in outer space. The bill authorizes the office to issue permits to persons for the operation of space-based remote sensing systems. The office shall establish an Advisory Committee on Commercial Remote Sensing to advise on matters relating to the U.S. commercial space-based remote sensing industry. The bill abolishes the Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress a report on the removal of the Office of Commercial Space Transportation from under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration and reestablishing such office under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation.
- Who sponsors HR 3610?
- HR 3610 is sponsored by Babin, Brian (Republican).
- What is the current status of HR 3610?
- This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
- Where can I track HR 3610?
- Track HR 3610 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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