88R4570 ANG-F
 
  By: Birdwell S.B. No. 785
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the ownership by a landowner of the geothermal energy
  and associated resources below the surface of the landowner's land.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 141, Natural Resources
  Code, is amended by adding Section 141.004 to read as follows:
         Sec. 141.004.  OWNERSHIP OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AND ASSOCIATED
  RESOURCES. A landowner owns the geothermal energy and associated
  resources below the surface of the landowner's land as real
  property.  Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the property
  rights described by this section entitle the landowner and the
  landowner's lessee, heir, or assign to drill for and produce the
  geothermal energy and associated resources below the surface of the
  landowner's land. 
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2023.