TX SB1146

Allows operators in good standing who own an oil/gas lease interest, mineral estate, or surface estate on land with an orphaned well to contract with a commission-approved well plugger to plug or replug the well

Requires well pluggers to provide 30-day advance notice to the well operator or surface owner before plugging and must follow Railroad Commission rules

Protects operators and surface owners who contract for well plugging from assuming responsibility for the orphaned well and shields them from liability for damages related to the plugging operation

Establishes that paying for or contracting to plug an orphaned well is not an admission of obligation, and evidence of such payments is inadmissible in lawsuits regarding plugging responsibility (introducing such evidence is grounds for mistrial)

Extends existing liability protections to private persons who pay the commission to plug or replug wells, and authorizes the Railroad Commission to supervise and approve plugging operations, with the act taking effect September 1, 2025