SRC-PNG S.B. 814 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterS.B. 814
By: Brown
Natural Resources
6/21/1999
Enrolled


DIGEST 

Currently, oil and gas operators may renew permits and continue operating
because the Railroad Commission has incurred but not assessed or adjudged
certain costs against the operator.  This bill provides for the
reimbursement of incurred costs, rather than assessed or adjudged costs,
for the Railroad Commission. 

PURPOSE

As enrolled, S.B. 814 provides for the reimbursement of the Railroad
Commission for certain costs incurred by the commission. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 91.104(b), Natural Resources Code, to authorize
a person or entity required to file a bond under Section 91.103 to choose
to file a nonrefundable annual fee of $100, if the person or entity can
demonstrate compliance with all Railroad Commission (RRC) rules, orders,
licenses, permits, or certificates that relate to safety or pollution
prevention or control for the previous 48 months, has no outstanding
violations of such rules, orders, licenses, permits, or certificates, has
paid all penalties relating to any violations, has paid all reimbursements
of any costs and expenses incurred, rather than assessed, by RRC in
relation to any violations, a nonrefundable annual fee, and a first lien on
certain tangible personal property.  Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 91.1091, Natural Resources Code, to require RRC
to refund bond proceeds or proceeds from other forms of security required
under this subchapter if RRC has been reimbursed for all costs and expenses
incurred, rather than assessed by RRC in relation to those conditions.
Makes nonsubstantive changes. 

SECTION 3.  Amends Section 91.114(d), Natural Resources Code, to require
RRC to accept the report or application or approve the certificate if all
penalties and all cleanup and plugging costs incurred by the state relating
to those conditions are paid or are being paid in accordance with an agreed
payment schedule.  Deletes text regarding costs incurred by the state and
assessed or adjudged against the organization. 

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.
Effective date: upon passage.