WOODBINE The Georgia Spaceflight Act has been approved by the state House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate companion bill was also approved, by a 49-2 vote, and now heads to the House for consideration.

State Rep. Jason Spencer, R-Woodbine, the bills sponsor, said he was encouraged by the support in both houses of the General Assembly.

The significance is that it sends a clear and resounding message that Georgia is ready to welcome commercial space industry-related jobs, he said.

The legislation requires companies in the business of launching rockets in Georgia to train their employees so they understand the risks associated with space flight. Workers in the space flight industry in Georgia will waive the right to sue the companies they work for unless gross negligence can be proven, he said.

The legislation, if approved, will help the efforts to establish a commercial spaceport in Camden County. An ongoing Federal Aviation Administration environ- mental study at the site is expected to be completed later this year.

During discussions about the legislation, Spencer said a lobbyist hired by opponents unsuccessfully tried to block the proposed bill.

The lobbyist and Little Cumberland Island property owners spent a heavy sum of money to try and stop these bills, Spencer said. So far, by my calculations based on last years and this years ethics disclosures, the opposition has spent about $5,000 per no vote for a total of $35,000 paid to lobbyists.

Spencer cautioned the process is not over and we will continue to beat them back and stay vigilant.

Both bills have crossed over and each chamber will review the respective House and Senate bills. Spencer said he expects one of the bills will pass and be sent to Gov. Nathan Deal for his consideration.

Spencer said he expects opponents to continue their fight to kill the legislation.

So far, they are mismatched and spending a lot of money to lose, he said. But we take nothing for granted.

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Spaceflight legislation passes House, Senate votes - The News (subscription)