Senator Flores presented House Bill 3248, which would grant defense-based development authorities — special-purpose districts that redevelop former military bases for defense, aerospace and cybersecurity uses — explicit authority to employ and commission peace officers.

Juan Antonio Flores of Port San Antonio, representing the former Kelly Air Force Base redevelopment, told the committee the authority would help safeguard critical infrastructure, research, and private and public investments located on large redevelopment campuses. Port San Antonio said it currently hosts more than 80 companies employing about 18,000 workers in defense and related sectors and expects to grow that workforce.

Supporters described the change as aligning these redevelopment districts with other special-purpose entities across the state that already can commission officers. The committee took invited testimony, found no public opposition registered and left the bill pending for further consideration.

No final committee vote was taken on the bill at that hearing; the sponsor said the committee would manage the bill as pending business.