TN HB2535

Amends definitions in Tennessee oil and gas law, including expanding "operator" to cover persons responsible for drilling, operating, producing, repairing, abandoning, or plugging wells, and adding a formal definition of "well"

Strengthens permit requirements by prohibiting surface disturbances until a permit application is submitted and requiring drilling permits to include identification of streams within 1/4 mile of the well site (reduced from 1/2 mile)

Establishes civil penalties up to $10,000 per day for violations of oil and gas regulations, with detailed procedures for appeals through administrative judges and the board within 180 days

Requires operators to notify surface landowners by certified mail before drilling, with 15 business days to discuss surface disturbance locations; permits may only be issued with landowner statements of no objection or court approval

Creates the Tennessee oil and gas reclamation fund to receive penalties and bond forfeitures, and transfers the Mineral Test Hole Regulatory Act from Title 60 to Title 59