Texas Senate Bill SB1033

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to imposing on a payor of proceeds of production from an oil or gas well a duty to notify a payee when payments to the payee are suspended.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would amend the Texas Natural Resources Code, creating a formalized process for the suspension of payments in the oil and gas sector. This introduces a layer of accountability for payors, as they would be legally required to send out notifications, which could enhance transparency within the industry. Payors failing to notify payees as per the new rules would be liable for interest on the suspended amounts, potentially promoting timely and accurate communication between parties.

Summary

SB1033 aims to establish a new requirement for payors of proceeds from oil or gas wells to notify payees when payments are suspended. This notification must be written and include a detailed explanation of the suspension reason. Specifically, the bill stipulates that notifications need to be sent within 30 days following the suspension of payment, ensuring that payees are informed of any changes that could affect their financial situation.

Contention

A potential point of contention surrounding SB1033 could arise from its implications for the oil and gas industry stakeholders. While proponents may argue that the bill creates necessary protections for payees and promotes fair practices, critics could emphasize the added administrative burden on payors. Furthermore, the enforceability of these notifications and the ramifications for non-compliance may lead to debates regarding the balance between regulation and industry flexibility.