Unfortunately, it has been brought to my attention that many of our constituents have been or are currently involved in legal disputes concerning oil or gas lease contracts. Disputes frequently arise over contracts signed by deceased family members or over the party oil or gas operators not holding a copy of the same contract as the landowner. Additionally, oil and gas lease contracts can be lengthy and filled with many industry-specific and legal terms, which unfortunately can lead to our constituents being confused or misled when entering into lease agreements. This confusion can lead to the two parties having a completely different understanding regarding certain lease details, the duration of the lease, and which party has primary authority over term extensions.
 
To avoid this confusion, I will be introducing legislation that would provide for plain language in oil and gas property contracts. Under this bill, oil and gas contracts would have to pass a readability test to ensure that contracts are easy to read and understand. The legislation would also require that industry-specific terms be defined so that landowners may better understand what each term means and how it may affect their contracts. In addition, this legislation would require that contracts be signed in the presence of a notary public. 
 
As elected officials, I believe it is our responsibility to ensure that our constituents are provided with a simplified process that could assist them in making the best decisions possible for their families.  
 
Please join me in support of this important legislation to further ensure that Pennsylvania residents are provided with a clear understanding of oil and gas lease agreements.