Mineral rights; revert to surface owner after certain period of time.

SB 2353 would require mineral rights separated from surface ownership after January 1, 2025, to automatically return to the surface owner if minerals are not drilled or produced for ten consecutive years. It defines "nonproduction" as wells not located on specific land areas (e.g., oil wells not on standard quarter-quarter sections, gas wells not in designated half-sections). The ten-year period restarts if drilling or production occurs, but must allow a minimum 180-day buffer if interrupted near expiration. This bill directly affects surface landowners and mineral rights holders in Mississippi, aiming to clarify ownership after prolonged inactivity. (Note: The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.)