BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2039
By: Cook
4-3-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Section 89.043, Natural Resources Code, regards the salvaging of
abandoned oilfield equipment by the Railroad Commission and
requires the Commission to send a notice to the last known operator
of an abandoned well. Subsection (e) currently requires the
Commission to file a copy of this notice in the county clerk's
office of the county in which the well is located.  The clerk is
required to record the notice in the real property records of the
county. In addition to information about the plugging of the well,
the notice also must state the Commission's intention to salvage
and sell any abandoned oilfield equipment pursuant to Section
89.085.


PURPOSE

H.B. 2039 would clarify that the notice need not be acknowledged
and that the Commission would not be required to pay a fee for the
filing or recording of the notice.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1: Amends Section 89.043(e), Natural Resources Code,
           relating to plugging notices filed by the Commission,
           to specifically state that the notice filed with the
           county need not be acknowledged. Also, counties are
           prohibited from charging the Commission for filing or
           recording the notice.

SECTION 2: Emergency Clause.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 2039 was considered by the Energy Resources Committee in a
public hearing on April 3, 1995. Brenda Loudermilk, representing
the Railroad Commission of Texas testified neutrally on the bill.
No one testified for or against the bill. The bill was reported
favorably without amendment, with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and
Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 PNV, and
3 absent.