A series of bills intended to attract aerospace investment to Louisiana was quickly approved by the Legislature, with some of the bills having already been signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry.
Rumors have swirled in recent weeks that Elon Musk’s SpaceX is in talks to acquire 136,000 acres in Vermillion Parish. While some state officials have insisted the legislative package is simply intended to strengthen Louisiana’s position in the aerospace sector, state Sen. Bob Hensgens, R-Abbeville, confirmed in May that a space exploration company is indeed in talks to acquire the aforementioned 136,000 acres, though he didn’t name which one.
House Bill 1088, which authorizes a state and local sales and use tax rebate for equipment, machinery, materials and other items “used in aerospace facilities and aerospace activities,” has been signed into law.
To qualify for the rebate, a project would need to involve at least $1 billion in new capital investment within a specific timeframe—on or after July 1, 2026, but before July 1, 2031—and create a minimum of 200 direct new jobs.
HB1179, which extends eligibility for Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption Program to “aerospace manufacturing establishments,” has been signed into law.
HB1033, which classifies aerospace facilities as “critical infrastructure,” has been signed into law.
HB1098, which would limit legal exposure for aerospace companies operating in Louisiana, has been signed by House Speaker Phillip DeVillier and is expected to be sent to the governor. The bill would shield “aerospace flight entities” from claims tied to common operational impacts like noise, light, odor, smoke and vibration and would also stipulate that such entities not be held responsible for damage or injury to a flight participant if the participant “signed an agreement and gave consent as required by certain federal law.”
HB1250, which would also limit legal exposure for aerospace companies operating in Louisiana, has been signed into law. The law allows aerospace companies to seek early dismissal of certain lawsuits arising from aerospace flight activities unless plaintiffs can show their claims are likely to succeed.
HB1071, which would exempt a wide range of aerospace-related records from Louisiana’s Public Records Law, has been signed into law.
HB1175, which would establish definitions for aerospace facilities and activities, has been sent to the governor. The bill would standardize the terminology that underpins the larger package.
Key lawmakers carried the bills, including Rep. Tony Bacala, R-Prairieville, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee.
