PDH S.B. 814 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 814 By: Brown Natural Resources 3/23/1999 Engrossed BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Under current law the Railroad Commission of Texas (commission) does not bar the renewal of the P-5 (operation permit) of an oil or gas well operator (operator) who owes the commission reimbursement for plugging or cleanup costs until such costs are assessed by the commission or adjudged by a court. S.B. 814 requires the commission to approve an operation permit renewal only if an operator has paid all reimbursements of any plugging or cleanup costs and expenses incurred, rather than assessed or adjudged. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 91.104(b), Natural Resources Code, to authorize person required to file a bond as provided under Section 91.103 (Persons Required to Execute Bond or Alternate Form of Financial Security) to file a nonrefundable annual fee of $100 if the person meets certain other criteria and has paid all reimbursements of any costs and expenses incurred, rather than assessed, by the Railroad Commission of Texas (commission) in relation to any violation of commission rules, orders, licenses, permits, or certificates. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 91.1091, Natural Resources Code, to require the commission to refund proceeds from a bond or other form of security required under this subchapter (General Provisions) if the commission has been reimbursed for all costs and expenses incurred, rather than assessed, by the commission in relation to those conditions. Deletes references to collection of costs and expenses. SECTION 3. Amends Section 91.114(d), Natural Resources Code, to delete reference to the assessment or ajudgment of costs concerning commission acceptance of the report or application or approval of the certificate. SECTION 4.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.