AR HB2001

Amends Arkansas Code § 15-72-203 to establish enhanced written notice requirements for operators conducting shale gas operations on surface owner property in counties designated by Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission Rule B-43(c) or (d).

Requires operators to provide a single enhanced written notice at least 14 days before beginning shale operations, which must include the proposed operations description, well and pad location details (section, township, range, plat), operator contact information, and confirmation of a pending or approved drilling permit.

Notice must be delivered by certified United States mail or personal delivery to the surface owner's address on file with the county collector, with presumed delivery occurring 3 days after mailing or immediately upon hand delivery.

Exempts periodic inspection, maintenance, repair of completion activities, preparatory activities (inspection, surveying, staking), and drilling additional wells or recompletion operations on existing pads from enhanced notice requirements.

Prohibits surface owners from making alterations to proposed drilling locations to interfere with shale operations after receiving notice, and requires no additional notice from operators after initial notice is provided, except in emergency situations or where a contractual notice agreement exists.