The Iowa Surface Owners Protection Act establishes regulations for oil and gas operations, including the responsibilities of operators and the rights of surface owners. The Act applies to real property where oil and gas operations are conducted and specifically to operations that commence on or after July 1, 2026, with certain exceptions for ongoing activities at existing wells and operations under pre-existing agreements. The Act defines key terms related to oil and gas operations and mandates that operators compensate surface owners for damages to crops, land, and other resources caused by their activities. Additionally, operators are required to reclaim affected surfaces once operations are completed.

The Act outlines the notification process for operators before commencing activities, requiring at least ten business days' notice for non-disturbing activities and a minimum of ninety days' notice before entering the surface for oil and gas operations. This notice must include details about the planned operations and a proposed surface use and compensation agreement. If the surface owner does not accept the proposed agreement within ninety days, the operator may enter the property but must compensate for any damages incurred. The Act also provides for legal remedies, including the potential for attorney fees and treble damages in cases of operator violations, while clarifying that the remedies provided are not exclusive and do not preclude other legal options.