TN SB2231

Revises definitions for oil and gas regulation, including "operator," "person," "producer," and adds a new definition of "well" as a borehole drilled for producing natural gas or oil

Requires permit applicants to notify surface property owners by certified mail of proposed well locations, access roads, and surface disturbances, with a 15-business-day period to discuss concerns before permits can be issued

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

Establishes bond forfeiture procedures for permit violations, with reclamation bonds conditioned on proper well site and access road restoration; allows partial bond release (one-third) upon satisfactory completion of regrading and revegetation

Reduces stream proximity notification requirements from one-half mile to one-fourth mile of the well site and transfers the Mineral Test Hole Regulatory Act to a new chapter in Title 59