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TX HB2663

Bill

Status

Passed

5/29/2025

Primary Sponsor

Drew Darby

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

89th Legislature Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires well operators seeking deadline extensions for plugging inactive wells to affirm they have physically terminated electric service to the well's production site

  • Operators who do not own the surface land must affirm they have emptied all piping, tanks, vessels, and equipment of production fluids if the well has been inactive for 5-10 years

  • For wells inactive 10 years or more, operators must affirm removal of all surface equipment (tanks, pump jacks, headers, fences, junk/trash) and all electrical service equipment except utility-owned equipment

  • Establishes administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per violation for operators who provide false affirmations about terminating electric service or removing equipment

  • Takes effect immediately with two-thirds legislative vote, otherwise September 1, 2025; applies only to applications filed after the effective date

Legislative Description

Relating to the affirmation required to be made by an operator as part of an application to the Railroad Commission of Texas for an extension of the deadline for plugging an inactive well; providing an administrative penalty.

Utilities

Last Action

Effective immediately

5/29/2025

Committee Referrals

Natural Resources5/7/2025
Energy Resources3/18/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available