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TexasSB 176289th Legislature Regular SessionSenate

Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to designate certain persons as the operator of an orphaned oil or gas well.

Sponsored By: César Blanco (Democratic), Drew Darby

Signed by Governor

Energy--ConservationEnergy--GeothermalOil & GasRAILROAD COMMISSION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Orphaned well operators gain a designation path

The Texas Railroad Commission must name an applicant as an orphaned well’s operator when the required filings are complete. Applicants must submit a fact-supported claim, based on a recognized legal theory, to a continuing right to possess qualifying property. This can cover mineral rights, geothermal resource rights, or underground space accessed by the well. Claims to underground space must be for a geothermal energy conservation well. Supporting records include current oil and gas or geothermal leases, recorded deeds, or other documents showing the claimed interest. Applicants must also file a completed certificate of compliance and pay a nonrefundable $250 fee. A geothermal energy conservation well stores energy that may supply electricity to the grid when needed. It is not classified as a battery energy storage resource. The law takes effect immediately with approval from two-thirds of all elected members of each legislative chamber; otherwise, September 1, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • César Blanco

    Democratic • Senate

  • Drew Darby

    House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 309 • No: 0

House vote • 5/21/2025

Record vote

Yes: 140 • No: 0

House vote • 5/20/2025

Record vote

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/16/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: State Affairs

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Business & Commerce

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective immediately

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/22/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    5/22/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/22/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/21/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    5/21/2025Senate

  8. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/21/2025House

  9. Record vote (RV#3118)

    5/21/2025House

  10. Passed

    5/21/2025House

  11. Read 3rd time

    5/21/2025House

  12. Record vote (RV#3050)

    5/20/2025House

  13. Passed to 3rd reading

    5/20/2025House

  14. Laid out as postponed business

    5/20/2025House

  15. Postponed (5/20/25 9:00 AM)

    5/19/2025House

  16. Read 2nd time

    5/19/2025House

  17. Placed on General State Calendar

    5/19/2025House

  18. Considered in Calendars

    5/15/2025House

  19. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/12/2025House

  20. Committee report distributed

    5/12/2025House

  21. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    5/12/2025House

  22. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    5/7/2025House

  23. Considered in formal meeting

    5/7/2025House

  24. Referred to State Affairs

    4/22/2025House

  25. Read first time

    4/22/2025House

Bill Text

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