The bill, S.B. No. 1759, introduces a new subchapter to the Natural Resources Code, specifically addressing oil and gas emergencies as defined by the Railroad Commission of Texas. It establishes a formal process for declaring such emergencies, which includes a proclamation from the commission that must detail the nature of the emergency and the affected area. The proclamation can last for a maximum of 30 days unless renewed by the commission. Additionally, the bill defines an "oil or gas emergency" as any situation related to the production, storage, or transportation of oil or gas, including uncontrolled releases from wells.

Furthermore, the bill provides civil liability immunity for individuals who assist in managing an oil or gas emergency, as long as their actions do not involve gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. This immunity applies when assistance is provided at the request of an authorized representative from a state, local, or federal agency. The bill clarifies that these immunities are supplementary to any existing legal protections. It also specifies that the new provisions will not affect any causes of action that arose before the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

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