H.B. No. 2256 amends various sections of the Natural Resources Code to enhance financial security requirements for operators of oil and gas wells in Texas. Key changes include the addition of new funding sources for the oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, such as money transferred from a sinking fund, and the establishment of a sinking fund where operators must pay an amount equal to the full cost of decommissioning their wells. The bill also modifies the requirements for operators seeking extensions for plugging inactive wells, removing the need for a supplemental bond or cash deposit and instead allowing for alternative documentation to demonstrate financial responsibility.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Texas Railroad Commission establish decommissioning cost estimates for each oil and gas producing region, which will inform the bond amounts operators are required to file. It repeals the previous blanket bond requirement and emphasizes the need for individual bonds based on the commission's estimates. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and operators of existing wells will have until September 1, 2030, to comply with the new individual bond requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 81.067, Natural Resources Code 89.023, Natural Resources Code 89.027, Natural Resources Code 89.028, Natural Resources Code 91.104, Natural Resources Code 91.1042 (Natural Resources Code 91, Natural Resources Code 89, Natural Resources Code 81)