Legislation that would limit the liability of spacecraft operators if they injure or kill passengers during flights has passed the California House of Representatives 73-0 and is now up for consideration in the State Senate. The measure had its first reading in the Senate and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Judiciary for review.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Knight of California’s 36th district and promoted by Mojave Air and Space Port CEO Stu Witt, would require that passengers sign an informed consent agreement acknowledging that spaceflight is dangerous before flying.

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To boldly go.... (Credit: Douglas Messier)

By Douglas Messier
Parabolic Arc Managing Editor

The East Kern Airport District (EKAD) has hired a former state senator to help promote legislation that would limit the liability of spacecraft operators if they injure passengers during flights.

On Tuesday, the EKAD Board of Directors voted to hire former Sen. Roy Ashburn at a rate of $5,000 per month over six months for consulting services. Ashburn’s main responsibility is to promote an informed consent bill introduced in February by Assemblyman Steve Knight of California’s 36th district.

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A bill has been introduced in the Colorado Legislature that would provide commercial spaceflight operators with liability protection in the event they injure or kill customers.

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