BILL ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 3039

By: Ellzey

Energy Resources

Committee Report (Substituted)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

State law requires that certain program areas within the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) deliver certain notices to companies and operators through certified, first class, or regular mail. These physical mailing requirements impose costs on the RRC that could be mitigated through the use of electronic delivery, which eliminates associated postage, printing, and labor costs. Electronic delivery also provides more timely notification of outstanding issues to companies and operators. As the RRC continues its transition from its antiquated computer mainframe towards more modern, cloud-based platforms, the authority to deliver notices electronically is consistent with the efficient operation of these newer systems. C.S.H.B. 3039 seeks to address this issue by providing the option for certain RRC notices to be sent as an electronic record.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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.

ANALYSIS

C.S.H.B. 3039 amends the Natural Resources Code to provide for the following Railroad Commission of Texas notices to be sent as an electronic record:

· certain notice regarding the plugging of a delinquent inactive well;

· certain notice regarding the disposition of well-site equipment or hydrocarbons resulting from a foreclosure of the state's lien on a delinquent inactive well;

· certain notice regarding grounds for the cancellation of certain certificates of compliance;

· certain notice to a local governmental agency regarding an application for total or partial bond or deposit release under the Texas Uranium Exploration, Surface Mining, and Reclamation Act; and

· certain notices regarding an application for a safety certificate under the Texas Aggregate Quarry and Pit Safety Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL AND SUBSTITUTE

C.S.H.B. 3039 differs from the original only by amending the caption.