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A JOINT RESOLUTION
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proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage |
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in the exploration for and production and export of oil, gas, and |
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other minerals. |
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BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Article I, Texas Constitution, is amended by |
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adding Section 37 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 37. (a) In this section, "mineral" means oil, gas, |
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uranium, sulphur, lignite, coal, and any other substance that is |
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ordinarily and naturally considered a mineral in this state, |
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regardless of the depth at which the oil, gas, uranium, sulphur, |
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lignite, coal, or other substance is found. |
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(b) The people have the right to engage in generally |
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accepted practices concerning the exploration for and production |
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and export of minerals. |
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(c) This section does not affect the authority of the |
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legislature to authorize by general law the regulation of generally |
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accepted practices concerning the exploration for and production |
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and export of minerals by: |
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(1) a state agency or political subdivision when there |
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is clear and convincing evidence that the law or regulation is |
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necessary to protect the public health and safety from imminent |
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danger; or |
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(2) a state agency or political subdivision to |
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preserve or conserve the natural resources of this state under |
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Section 59, Article XVI, of this constitution. |
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(d) This section does not affect the authority of the |
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legislature to authorize by general law the use or acquisition of |
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property for a public use, including the development of the natural |
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resources of this state under Section 59, Article XVI, of this |
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constitution. |
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SECTION 2. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be |
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submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2025. |
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The ballot shall be printed to permit voting for or against the |
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proposition: "The constitutional amendment protecting the right to |
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engage in the exploration for and production and export of oil, gas, |
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and other minerals." |