All Roll Calls
Yes: 400 • No: 27
TexasHB 361989th Legislature Regular SessionHouse
Relating to the rights and liabilities of the owner of the surface estate of the tract of land on which a well to be plugged or replugged by the Railroad Commission of Texas is located.
Sponsored By: Jay Dean, Judith Zaffirini (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
Civil Remedies & LiabilitiesEnvironment--WaterOil & GasRAILROAD COMMISSION
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Landowners gain restoration and land access
For wells it plugs or replugs on or after September 1, 2025, the Texas Railroad Commission must restore the surface. It must reshape the land to its prior contours, promote natural plant growth, and follow commission rules. The surface owner can decline restoration. Beginning September 1, 2025, people authorized to enter under the well-plugging law cannot block the surface owner's access. They can restrict access when necessary to prevent harm to public health.
Landowners gain immunity but face claim limits
Beginning September 1, 2025, surface owners are shielded from civil liability for damage caused by covered well-plugging law activities. This covers actions or failures to act by the Texas Railroad Commission, its employees or agents, and other authorized entrants. The law also shields the commission, its employees and agents, well operators, and nonoperators from damage claims for good-faith efforts. That protection limits damage claims against those parties.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Jay Dean
House
Judith Zaffirini
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/30/2025
Record vote
Yes: 108 • No: 27
Senate vote • 5/28/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/28/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/12/2025
Record vote
Yes: 144 • No: 0
House vote • 5/10/2025
Record vote
Yes: 130 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Energy Resources
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Natural Resources
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
6/1/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
6/1/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/31/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/30/2025HouseHouse concurs in Senate amendment(s)-reported
5/30/2025SenateText of Senate Amendment(s)
5/30/2025HouseStatement(s) of vote recorded in Journal
5/30/2025HouseRecord vote (RV#4064)
5/30/2025HouseHouse concurs in Senate amendment(s)
5/30/2025HouseSenate Amendments Analysis distributed
5/29/2025HouseSenate Amendments distributed
5/29/2025HouseSenate passage as amended reported
5/29/2025HouseRecord vote
5/28/2025SenatePassed
5/28/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/28/2025SenateRecord vote
5/28/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/28/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/28/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/28/2025SenateLaid before the Senate
5/28/2025SenatePlaced on local & uncontested calendar
5/28/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/22/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/22/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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