Senate committee backs bill to add lieutenant governor as chair of Arizona Space Commission

The Senate Military Affairs and Border Security Committee recommended Senate Bill 16‑20 with a due‑pass recommendation after testimony from Brett Meacom, chair of the Arizona Space Commission.

Meacom told the panel the bill would reduce the governor's appointed seats from seven to six, add the lieutenant governor as a board member who would serve as chair, and designate the governor and legislative leaders as ex officio nonvoting advisory members. He said the change aligns Arizona’s governance of space policy with structures used in other states and at the federal advisory level.

Committee members voiced support for keeping Arizona competitive in aerospace and cited possible economic development such as a potential spaceport in Yuma County and university research participation. After a motion, the committee voted reported as 5 ayes, 1 no and 1 not voting to give SB 16‑20 a do‑pass recommendation.

SB 16‑20 will now proceed to the Senate floor for further action.