The bill would amend the Natural Resources Code to require a common carrier, as defined in ยง111.002, to make a good faith effort to negotiate with a property owner the route or location of a pipeline or incidental facility on the owner's property. The bill would also require an agent of a common carrier to receive written permission from the property owner before entering the property for the purpose of making a preliminary survey for the use of the power of eminent domain and abide by certain conditions once permission is granted.
Based on information provided by the Railroad Commission and the Department of Transportation, it is assumed that duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished utilizing existing resources.
The bill would apply only to condemnation proceedings in which a petition has been filed on or after the effective date, or September 1, 2021.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.