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WV SB686
Bill
AI Summary
- Allows coal mining operations to proceed when at least one co-tenant owner consents, protecting operators from waste and trespass claims even if other co-owners do not agree
- Requires operators to pay nonconsenting co-tenants a production royalty of at least 6% or the highest royalty paid to any consenting co-tenant, whichever is greater
- Creates the Unknown and Unlocatable Coal Interest Owners Fund administered by the State Treasurer to hold royalties owed to owners who cannot be identified or located
- Permits surface owners to file action to acquire title to unknown or unlocatable coal interests after 7 years from the first report to the State Treasurer
- Shields nonconsenting co-tenants from liability for bodily injury, property damage, or environmental claims arising from coal extraction operations on their property
Legislative Description
Coal Co-tenancy Modernization and Miners Protection Act
Real and Personal Property
Last Action
Completed legislative action
3/14/2026
Committee Referrals
Energy and Public Works3/5/2026
Judiciary2/3/2026
Energy, Industry and Mining1/30/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available