TX HB3911

Allows operators in good standing who own an interest in an oil and gas lease, mineral estate, or surface estate to contract with commission-approved well pluggers to plug or replug orphaned wells on their property

Requires well pluggers to provide at least 30 days written notice to the well operator or surface owner before plugging and must comply with Railroad Commission rules

Provides liability protection for operators and surface owners who contract for orphaned well plugging, stating they do not assume responsibility for physical operation of the well or damages from plugging activities

Prohibits use of payment or contracting for well plugging as evidence of obligation to plug the well in legal proceedings, making introduction of such evidence grounds for mistrial

Authorizes the Railroad Commission to require employee supervision of plugging operations and mandates commission approval before operations are considered complete; excludes surface owners who were the original operators that abandoned the well