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 a minimum compensation requirement for non-consenting owners, ensuring they receive at least the average per acre compensation paid to other owners in the storage unit. Additionally, it mandates that unit operators compensate non-consenting mineral interest owners for the value of stranded minerals or reimburse them for any extra 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 practices for all stakeholders involved in carbon dioxide storage operations.

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