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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the designation of a person who has an interest in the |
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geothermal resources of an orphaned oil or gas well as the operator |
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of that well. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 89.047(f), Natural Resources Code, is |
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amended to read as follows: |
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(f) The commission shall designate the person as the |
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operator of the well if the person files with the commission: |
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(1) a factually supported claim based on a recognized |
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legal theory to a continuing possessory right in the mineral estate |
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or geothermal resources accessed by the well, such as evidence of a |
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current oil and gas lease or a recorded deed conveying a fee |
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interest in the mineral estate or geothermal resources; |
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(2) a completed certificate of compliance; and |
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(3) a nonrefundable fee in the amount of $250. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |