MS HB501

Mineral estates separated from surface estates revert to the surface owner after 20 years of nonproduction or no bona fide drilling attempt.

The 20-year period may run continuously or be interrupted by actual production, drilling operations, or shut-in rental payments; the period restarts the day after production/operations cease or rental period ends.

If 180 days or fewer remain in the period when it restarts, the period extends to at least 180 days from the restart date.

Mineral interests already separated from surface estates as of July 1, 2022, with 20 years of nonproduction immediately revert to the current surface estate owner.

Oil and gas are not considered in production if the well is not located in the same quarter-quarter section (oil) or half section (gas) where the mineral interest lies.