S.B. No. 1146 amends the Natural Resources Code to address the plugging or replugging of orphaned wells under the jurisdiction of the Railroad Commission of Texas. The bill introduces new provisions that allow an "operator in good standing" or a surface estate owner to contract with a commission-approved well plugger to plug or replug an orphaned well. It establishes that these parties do not assume liability for any damages resulting from the plugging or replugging process, and it clarifies that paying for such services does not imply an obligation to perform the work. Additionally, the bill mandates that well pluggers notify relevant parties at least 30 days before the operation and ensures that the plugging or replugging is conducted according to commission rules.

The bill also includes a provision that allows the commission to supervise the plugging or replugging operations and stipulates that such operations are not considered complete until approved by the commission. It specifies that the new rules will not apply to surface estate owners who were the operators that abandoned the well. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 89.045 (Natural Resources Code 89)
Senate Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 89.045 (Natural Resources Code 89)
Engrossed: Natural Resources Code 89.045 (Natural Resources Code 89)
House Committee Report: Natural Resources Code 89.045 (Natural Resources Code 89)
Enrolled: Natural Resources Code 89.045 (Natural Resources Code 89)