Bill Text: TX SB785 | 2023-2024 | 88th Legislature | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Relating to the ownership of and certain insurance policy provisions regarding the geothermal energy and associated resources below the surface of land.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2023-06-18 - Effective immediately [SB785 Detail]

Download: Texas-2023-SB785-Introduced.html

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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.