House Bill No. 75, introduced by Representative McCormick, amends R.S. 30:1104.2 to enhance compensation provisions for owners in interest within carbon dioxide storage units. The bill establishes that non-consenting owners in interest must receive a minimum compensation per acre that is not less than the average compensation paid to other owners in the storage unit. Additionally, it mandates that unit operators compensate non-consenting mineral owners for the value of stranded minerals or reimburse them for any additional costs incurred while drilling through the storage unit.

The bill also clarifies the judicial review process for compensation disputes, allowing affected owners to seek court determination on whether the compensation is just, with the possibility of a jury trial. The court may request necessary information to assess just compensation, and the review process is prioritized for expediency. Overall, the proposed changes aim to ensure fair compensation for all stakeholders involved in carbon dioxide storage operations while maintaining compliance with existing regulations.

Statutes affected:
HB75 Original: 30:2(C)
HB75 Engrossed: 30:2(C)