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H 3439

Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Neal Collins

Creates an annual lottery to award a South Carolina resident a seat on a Blue Origin spaceflight, with STEM-encouraging eligibility criteria and a yearly report.

Referred to Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 3439

Summary — H 3439: South Carolina Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission

Note: The packet you provided includes text from an unrelated Massachusetts bill (the “CHEEERR Act”). This summary focuses on the Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission language (the South Carolina chapter added to Title 55) titled the "South Carolina Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission Act."

Main purpose

Create a state commission to design and administer an annual lottery awarding one South Carolina resident a seat on a Blue Origin spaceflight, and to set eligibility criteria (including promotion of STEM careers). The commission is established as a public body and must report on its activities.

Key provisions

  • Codification: Adds a new Chapter 19 to Title 55 of the South Carolina Code: "South Carolina Blue Origin Flight Lottery Commission Act."
  • Commission created: A seven-member governing board with these members:
    1. Representative of the McNair Center (appointed by the Governor)
    2. Representative of Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (appointed by the Governor)
    3. Representative of the Governor’s School of Science and Math (appointed by the Governor)
    4. Executive Director of the Department of Commerce, or the director’s designee
    5. One member of the House of Representatives (appointed by the Speaker)
    6. One member of the Senate (appointed by the Senate President)
    7. One member of the general public (appointed by the Governor)
  • Appointment guidance: The Governor is required to consider experience, race, gender, and other demographic factors to promote nondiscrimination, inclusion and broad representation.
  • Staff assistance: The commission may receive staff support from the Department of Administration as needed.
  • Purpose and duties:
    • Create and conduct an annual lottery awarding a seat on a Blue Origin flight to a South Carolina resident.
    • Establish eligibility criteria for lottery participants; criteria must include encouragement of careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
  • Reporting: The commission must submit a report on its activities and eligibility criteria to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate no later than one year after the act’s effective date.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Who is affected / potential impacts

  • Potential beneficiaries: One annual lucky lottery winner (a South Carolina resident) who would receive a Blue Origin flight seat; broader public benefits may include STEM outreach, publicity, and inspiration for students.
  • Institutions involved: McNair Center, Clemson College of Engineering/Computing/Applied Sciences, Governor’s School of Science and Math, Department of Commerce, Department of Administration.
  • State government: New administrative duties for the commission and potential need for staff support and resources (no explicit appropriation included).
  • Private partner coordination: Implementation will require cooperation or agreement with Blue Origin (a private company); the bill does not specify funding, liability allocation, or contractual mechanics with Blue Origin.

Procedural / timeline notes (as provided)

  • Prefiled: 12/05/2024
  • Introduced/read first time: 01/14/2025
  • Referred to Committee on Ways and Means (dates recorded: 01/14/2025 and 02/27/2025 in provided actions)
  • Additional referral noted to State Administration and Regulatory Oversight (02/27/2025)
  • Hearing(s) scheduled: 10/14/2025 (listed twice for 01:00 PM–05:00 PM, B-2)
  • Senate concurrence noted (02/27/2025) in the action log
  • The commission must report within one year of the act’s effective date.

Issues and considerations

  • Funding & contracts: The bill establishes the commission and duties but contains no explicit appropriation or direction about how to secure a Blue Origin flight seat; implementation likely requires negotiation with Blue Origin and appropriation for administrative costs and any fees.
  • Legal / liability questions: No explicit provisions for liability, participant safety, or contractual terms with Blue Origin are provided.
  • Equity and selection: The statutory requirement to consider demographic factors in appointments and to encourage STEM careers may shape eligibility design; specifics are left to the commission.

If you’d like, I can draft a short list of likely implementation steps the commission would need to take (e.g., draft eligibility rules, negotiate with Blue Origin, budget request, liability review) or produce a one-page briefing for legislators on anticipated costs and legal issues.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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