Section 41-1551.02 - Space exploration and aeronautics research fund; reportA. The space exploration and aeronautics research fund is established consisting of legislative appropriations and gifts, grants and donations. Monies in the fund are continuously appropriated. The board shall administer the fund. The board may use up to ten percent of the monies for administrative costs. Monies in the fund may be used to provide grants to businesses or nonprofit organizations in this state that are involved in the space exploration or aeronautics industry or to a governmental entity with which the board has entered into an intergovernmental agreement.B. The grant monies shall be used for any of the following purposes: 1. Developing emerging technologies that are required for any aspect of human space flight.2. Research involving space exploration and space flight.3. Workforce training to promote space exploration and space flight.4. Curating postmission materials involved in space exploration and space flight.5. Developing infrastructure that is necessary for establishing and maintaining a spaceport.C. The board may also provide grants for multiyear projects. The board shall specify the total amount of monies approved to fund each multiyear project.D. The board shall prioritize providing grants for projects that are any of the following:1. Located within fifty miles of a federal aviation administration-licensed spaceport.2. Space defense-related.3. Space defense and commercial use-related.E. The board shall establish standards to ensure that grant recipients pursuant to this section purchase goods and services from suppliers in this state to the extent reasonably possible.F. Each grant recipient shall submit a report to the board that describes how grant monies were spent and a summary of any findings.G. The board shall prescribe a simplified form and procedure to apply for grants pursuant to this section.Added by L. 2024, ch. 140,s. 1, eff. 9/14/2024.